If you thought writing your essay submission for the TOMS + Element Shoe Drop sweepstakes was tough, imagine the pressure we have faced over the past weeks combing through amazing entry after amazing entry… after amazing entry. If there was any way we could swing taking 1,200 people on the Shoe + Board Drop in South Africa this October, we would in a heart beat… but the finance department might have a heart attack. After hours of reading every single essay and watching the incredible videos on YouTube, we are left inspired, moved, and grateful for all the passionate support all of the contestants have shown for TOMS, Element, and the One for One movement. You guys really did NOT make selecting a winner easy! We shared your words with our colleagues, pulled quotes that we’ve posted on our desktops, and shaken our heads in amazement for the gentle way some people have transcribed their emotion in to words.

With that being said, the deadline has come and passed and two winners have been chosen. In 1 month and 7 days, these two winning individuals will meet their fellow volunteers from Element, TOMS, Fuel TV, and other participants from around the US. They touch down in Durban South Africa and exchange their feelings of anticipation excitement. They will walk outside the airport doors, board a van to the outskirts, and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

To the winners: Your entries blew us away. TOMS and Element are proud to have you on board, and we can’t wait to meet you…

CONGRATULATIONS Nate Eckhert and Marco Barbosa! Their entries after the jump…

Marco Barbosa:

Because it‚s not a complicated task to live our lives collecting victories and keeping them to ourselves.  There is also no challenge required to close your eyes to reality and live a fulfilled life that concerns only your needs.

Each life was created with a unique experience to be shared among others.  The voice of people in need has echoed through too many generations.  I believe it is my obligation to understand the effects of poverty in the world we live in and to help to plant the seeds for change.  If I can not make a difference in somebody else‚s life what is the purpose of my own?  What will my accomplishments be if they  are restricted only to myself and to those I know?

When I saw the ad about Toms Shoes during the Blackberry commercial,  I had no idea who he was or the core of his business.  My life was touched immediately by his commitment to these children.  Soon after, I found myself collecting information about the shoe drop.  For some reason I was scared thinking about being involved in such an important mission.  I knew I had to move forward with my plans, but I remained aprehensive.  I showed my wife and asked her opinion about it.  She was as excited about the Tom/Element connection as I was.  She then commented on how this project, as well as its participants were a perfect match for me.‰Wow, this is exactly who you are. This speaks to all of your talents!,‰ she said.

I want to make a difference, man.  I want to tell my kids (4 years and 3 months old) where Dad was, with whom dad was and why Dad was there. I want my children to have the same passion growing inside their hearts.  It is my wish, and God knows me well enough to undertand my reasons regarding this issue.

I came from Brazil in 1999 and I have seen what poverty can do to a child.  I know how a life can be affected or in most of the scenarios – taken away.  In 2006 I started a business with one single goal, to be a blessing.  To inspire people through what a man full of dreams and faith can do.  For me, it‚s about how many lives can be touched and how that faith can be passed on.  I want to be the one to invite people to go with me during the process.  Going to South Africa would give me one more reason to believe that it is possible and that this seed growing within me is about to create new roots.  I need to see those little eyes and learn with them.  I need to place the shoes on their feet.  I need to see them running with them.  I want to see them flying to the other side of the ramp or picking themselves up after a stunt crash.

Among all of the causes that I have searched through, this one is by far the closest to the path that my soul was designed to pursue.  I have no doubts that I want to be part of this tremendous opportunity.  It‚s got to be now.  It can‚t wait until tomorrow.  At this point I just can‚t look back.  My life was made to live in abundance not just for my victories but more importantly, in the victories of others (especially if their running in shoes).

Nate Eckhart:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0sTu0cJVHo&feature=related

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Tags:   Durban · South Africa · sweepstakes · TOMS + Element · TOMS + Element Shoe + Board Drop · volunteer · winner
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