Geneva Nodland
In Fargo, where community and compassion collide for the better, the Mark Knutson Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund strides forward, each step guided by the impact and dedication of its founder’s spirit. The nonprofit, born from the boundless compassion and unwavering commitment of the late Mark Knutson, is racing against nothing less than childhood need. Each pair of sneakers delivered to children in need through this program does more than just home young feet; it carries the legacy of a man who believed deeply in the power of community support and the joy of running.
Mark Knutson’s vision was to ensure that no child in the Fargo-Moorhead area would be held back from active participation in life due to a lack of proper footwear. He fulfilled this mission by raising funds to buy and donate tennis shoes to elementary school-age kids. Today, the Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund continues this mission and expands on it, all while wrapping the community in a warm embrace of collaborative effort and shared goals.
Mark Knutson was more than just the founder of this charitable fund; he was truly a pillar in the Fargo community. He could be described in various ways: passionate runner, philanthropic leader, visionary, father, son, brother, friend, and much more. Mark transformed his love for running and biking into a conduit for service. His journey began on the familiar trails of Fargo, where his feet pounded the pavement for causes that would outrun even his wildest expectations.
In the early days, the Shoes for Kids program was really a grassroots effort, sparked by Mark’s simple act of generosity. From its start in 2010, the initiative gained traction, reflecting the community’s own commitment to nurturing the youth. Mark’s approach was both hands-on and heartfelt. He wanted to make sure that the children who received the shoes felt valued and seen, not just as recipients of charity, but as young individuals with potential to be unleashed. At the same time, it was important to Mark and his team that these kids never felt “called out” by receiving the shoes.
“It was a way that Mark could give back to the community and create future runners,” Shoes for Kids’ Board Member and friend of Mark, James Botnen, said. “Not only did he want to do good by getting shoes on the feet of kids who couldn’t afford them within the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo districts, but he also ultimately wanted to keep them happy and healthy, because we know what physical activity can do for a child… Even for us adults, what a new pair of shoes does for our confidence, and that’s what I feel Mark wanted to instill in kids.”
About Mark Knutson
Mark Knutson was an FM area native. He attended and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1988 and went on to receive his bachelor’s degrees in business administration and finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He initially pursued a career in banking before dedicating himself to promoting community health and unity through running. In 2005, he established the Fargo Marathon, and in 2010, he started the nonprofit, Shoes for Kids. In the years to come, he would continue to establish other area events centered around not just running but moving, to encourage healthy and fulfilling lifestyles. In 2022, Mark moved to Detroit Lakes as general manager at Detroit Mountain, where he worked to bring activities and togetherness to the Detroit Lakes community as well.
Did You Know?
Giving Hearts Day is an annual celebration, promoted year-round to pump up nonprofits, volunteers, donors, and the community about giving back. But you can actually donate to your charities any day of the year! That is the Mark Knutson Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund’s main portal for receiving donations.
The Legacy Begins
In its 15 years of operation, the nonprofit organization has had steady momentum, but the past year has been the sprint of a lifetime for the Shoes for Kids team.
Many knew Mark from his involvement with the Fargo Marathon, 
which began around the same fateful time as Mark’s youngest, Cade Knutson, and in a few months, the marathon was born in ‘05.
“Mark had two babies that year,” Cade joked, recalling what the Fargo Marathon emcee announced after he had finished his first marathon this past year.
Founded by Mark and his close friend, Mike Almquist, the marathon quickly transformed from an idea to a cornerstone community event. Initiated to revive the local marathon scene after nearly two decades of dormancy, the inaugural event kicked off on the Veterans Memorial Bridge as a symbol linking North Dakota and Minnesota. Despite initial skepticism, the marathon drew 2,600 participants in its first year. Local businesses like SCHEELS played an important role as sponsors to provide financial backing. From its very beginning, the marathon was more than just some races over the weekend—it was a celebration of community.
As the event grew, so did its impact and reputation. Participant numbers rose to over 20,000 by 2012. The marathon became known for its flat, fast course paired with outstanding community support, putting Fargo on the map as a significant running destination for racers from all over the country. Bands, local traditions like the pre-race “pasta & lefse feed,” and much cheering from spectators on the sidelines created a joyous atmosphere that ultimately became a hallmark of the event.
Five years after the kick-off of the marathon, Mark started Shoes for Kids. And, coincidentally, Cade was a student at the elementary school that kicked off the giving of shoes in 2010. While he was very young, Cade even remembers his dad filling up an old Fargo Marathon trailer with the shoes, excited to drop them off at Cade’s school and others in the FM area. Those early days were filled with pure elbow grease, with Mark hand-picking and delivering shoes.
The first few years looked a lot like that, but interest in the program and its positive effects spread all the while. Soon, Shoes for Kids expanded its reach to even more schools in the FMWF area. Mark had help here and there, not to discredit any of the work of the volunteers, friends, and family who helped, but more so to credit him and his unwavering efforts to fulfill the mission of the nonprofit.
There was steady growth for the organization, but still, Mark took on the majority of the responsibilities.
Local Partnerships
After a decade of grind, Shoes for Kids secured a partnership that would forever change its impact.
“Although SCHEELS had stepped away from the Fargo Marathon title sponsorship, we wanted to stay involved and felt that Shoes for Kids would be a perfect opportunity. The ability to leverage our vendor relationships to put more shoes on the kids who really need them is a win. All day,” Marketing Leader at Fargo SCHEELS, Caryn Olson said.
“Mark was purchasing the shoes himself and bringing them to the schools one by one with thehelp of the Fargo Marathon Committee,”
James said. “Once SCHEELS stepped in, we were able to drive down costs and double the number of shoes we could distribute each year. It was a major leap forward for us.”
This support from SCHEELS has been critical in enabling the program to operate more effectively. The impact of SCHEELS’ involvement goes beyond just financial and logistical support; it has also brought a level of visibility and credibility to Shoes for Kids that has been vital in attracting further community support.
Partnership with SCHEELS By the Numbers
Since 2020—when the partnership began—over 11,000 pairs of shoes have been donated, bringing the total number of shoes distributed in the past 15 years to over 20,000 pairs!
Remembering Mark Knutson
The Fargo community was struck by tragedy when Mark Knutson passed away in a heartrending cycling accident in the summer of 2023.
His commitment to fostering an active and inclusive running community through the Fargo Marathon and Shoes for Kids had earned him such deep respect and affection that Mark’s untimely passing left an immeasurable void, not only within his family and close circles but also across the broader FMWF communities. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark was a visionary who saw the marathon not just as a race and the nonprofit as not only shoe distribution but rather—these were a means to unite people and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
His life’s work continues to inspire those who knew him and many who will come to know his story in the years to follow. The profound impact of his kindness, drive, and passion for both community and personal connection remains the guide for the Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund and all endeavors associated with his name.
Mark’s honor and legacy would have far outlived him, of that we can be sure; and when his passions and initiatives could have been lost with his too-early passing, his community instead rallied.
Carrying The Torch
The sudden passing left a significant void in the leadership of the Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund. In the aftermath, the nonprofit faced the task of continuing Mark’s legacy without his guiding hand. The transition was spearheaded by close associates and family members—James and, more recently, Cade—who are deeply committed to preserving and advancing the mission Mark had set forth.
Efforts were directed towards restructuring the organization to function without Mark’s daily involvement while still keeping his vision and values at the core of their operations. James and the board wanted a family member of Mark’s to be part of the team, so it was only in mid-2024 that he reached out to Cade and pitched him.
Cade found himself in a particularly poignant position.
“It’s definitely something that is very important to me, and it’s been part of my life forever,” Cade said. “I don’t remember a time when the Fargo Marathon wasn’t happening. So, to be a part of his work is very important to me, and it’s something that I want to be a part of. It feels good.”
With new members and a restructured way of operating, change was inevitable, but the board handled it with grace. The changes to come were not just structural but also symbolic, as the organization sought to honor Mark’s memory in every aspect of its work.
Meet the Board!
Mark Knutson Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund is run by a completely volunteer board—let’s meet them!
Did You Know?
Every $20 donation provides one pair of shoes for a child in need through the Shoes for Kids program. While we don’t know the exact number of shoes donated to date, we know that since its inception 15 years ago, over 20,000 pairs of shoes have found their home with a child in need!
Miles for Kids
In an incredible display of endurance and commitment, James took on quite the challenge last fall to support Shoes for Kids. James ran an impressive 100 miles in what the organization called Miles for Kids, which was aimed at not only raising funds but also increasing awareness for the nonprofit’s mission. It started with a plan to run and stop at every metro-area school, which, surprisingly, routed at 100 miles.
This physical feat was a testament to his dedication, but just as much to the community’s support.
“It was ultimately about awareness, I just said, ‘I’m going to do it, whether one person learns about Shoes for Kids or if one person donates.’ It organically grew a lot bigger than I had anticipated. Cade came for 10 or so miles and ran with me by the schools, and you could hear them from blocks away. I did not anticipate that,” James said.
The event’s visibility brought together different parts of the community, from local schools, including students, teachers, and staff, to fellow runners, and even just friends of the board. Walkers, runners, and bicyclists joined James on his route, and plenty of supporters cheered him on from the sidelines.
Did You Know?
In his efforts to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit, James’ 100-mile run through the area brought home over $30,000 for Shoes for Kids!
A Legacy Evolves
An impactful change for the organization, and those who knew Mark, was the official name change to “Mark Knutson Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund.” Not only does this reflect the honor of the nonprofit’s founder, but it also represents the organization’s induction into the Impact Foundation.
This has had many benefits, including enabling a more structured approach to fundraising and community involvement.
While Shoes for Kids participated loosely in DMF’s Giving Hearts Days before, its formal integration into the Impact Foundation allowed it to partake more fully for the first time this past February.
“That’s where the relationship or the conversation started with Cade, with Giving Hearts Day, and then ultimately, we said, ‘If you want to be a part of it, we want you to be a part of it.’ And we’re so thankful he said yes.” James said.
The nonprofit partnered with longtime supporter SCHEELS to bring a fun twist to fundraising this year. More than 20 local volunteers kept a treadmill running for 12 hours at SCHEELS—right in front of the Ferris wheel—from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The goal was to raise both awareness and funds to support Shoes for Kids. The total miles ran depended on each volunteer’s pace, of course, but the results are obvious.
The Impact Foundation, co-hosted by the Dakota Medical Foundation and the Alex Stern Family Foundation, is renowned for its support of charities aimed at improving health and quality of life across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. The foundation also serves as a co-host for Giving Hearts Day, a critical event for nonprofit fundraising in the region.
GHD & Shoes for Kids By the Numbers
- 77 Miles Logged
- 96 Giving Hearts (a.k.a. the number of individuals who donated)
- 727 Pairs of Shoes
- $14,555 Raised
Did You Know?
The total number of shoes that will be donated in 2025 will be higher than what was raised on GHD, but that number is still to be determined!
The Road Ahead
As the Mark Knutson Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund and its board look to the future, they do so with a renewed vision and dedication to expand. The organization is set to navigate growth while staying true to its core mission to nurture the next generation. Both James and Cade are committed to building on the solid foundation laid by Mark and ensuring that the fund adapts to meet the changing needs of the community.
James is optimistic about the future.
“We want to continue doing things to impact the schools directly, or at least be visual within the school districts, and [be a part of] Giving Hearts Day.”
The story of Cade’s involvement in the Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund is one of those inspiring tales of life coming full circle, an arc that adds depth and continuity to the legacy of his father.
Now, years later, Cade steps into schools with boxes of shoes, just like the ones his father delivered to his classroom when he was a child. This role reversal deepens his connection to the initiative. It’s not just about the physical shoes but about the message they carry: that someone believes in these children’s potential and well-being.
“A really big part of why I am involved now was seeing that it happened when I was in elementary school,” Cade said. “And now I get to be a part of it. I get to donate back to that.”
Another huge motivator for Cade recently was the Shoes for Kids addition of Hillsboro Elementary School to the recipients of the nonprofits’ shoes. He was among the volunteers who delivered the shoes to the schools.
“That’s my dad’s hometown, my grandparents lived there. It’s just a very good feeling when you get to give back to something that you have roots in,” he said.
Cade and James’ stories are a testament to the nature of giving and the influence of a single act of kindness, and they are just a handful of many. It would be insurmountable to count the number of lives touched by Mark’s work or the significant impacts that he had on the community, his family, and his friends.
As he carries forward his father’s legacy, Cade not only honors his memory but also inspires a new generation to believe in the power of community and support. As James works with the board and his community to make sure the nonprofit not only succeeds in its mission but grows sustainably, he, too, honors the hard work and dedication that Mark first instilled into the idea of Shoes for Kids.
Monetary donations can be made year-round through the Giving Hearts Day website, where the fund maintains an active presence to facilitate easy giving. Beyond financial support, volunteering opportunities, specifically for the distribution of shoes, are critical to operations. You can also engage with the Shoes for Kids’ social media pages to help raise awareness and spread the word about their mission and events!
For those looking to contribute in an even more hands-on way, you can participate in events like the Giving Hearts Day treadmill challenge and other events like it in the future.
If you’re looking to support the Mark Knutson Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund, there are numerous ways to contribute and make a difference!
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