Chaco Supports Stonewall National Monument with New Sandals

June 16, 2017

ROCKFORD, Mich. – Last year, President Barack Obama officially designated Stonewall National Monument, making it the United States’ first national park recognizing an LGBTQ historic site. To celebrate the park’s one year anniversary, iconic lifestyle footwear brand Chaco is introducing limited-edition sandals inspired by Stonewall, and will donate 10 percent of sales from every pair to the National Park Foundation’s Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks to directly fund projects for the monument.

“Stonewall National Monument stands as a symbol of inclusion, community, and personal freedom, values that Chaco holds dearly,” said Chaco brand manager, Josh Weichhand. “We’re pleased to support and draw additional attention to one of our country’s newest monuments, and the diversity of America’s national parks story.”

The Stonewall Inn is a bar located in Greenwich Village, New York City. In June 1969, the police raided the Inn, part of a larger, long-term pattern of LGBTQ harassment by New York City Police. Instead of dispersing, the crowd became increasingly defiant as the police arrested the bar’s employees and patrons. Reinforcements were called in by the police, and for several hours they tried to clear the streets while the crowd fought back. The initial raid and the riot that ensued led to six days of demonstrations and conflicts with law enforcement outside the bar, in nearby Christopher Park, and along neighboring streets. The events that month at the Stonewall Inn began the modern struggle for the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans.

The Chaco Stonewall Collection includes Women’s ZX/2 Classic and Men’s Z/2 Classic sandals with original strap designs inspired by the rainbow flag and the National Park Foundation logo. The sandals are Made in the USA, cost $130 per pair, and are available exclusively through Chacos.com. The collection launched on June 5, just in time to celebrate Pride Month.

About Chaco:
Born on the river in 1989, Chaco builds premium footwear for the outdoor-minded. As a result of the brand’s proprietary LUVSEAT™ footbed, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to all Chaco footwear styles. The APMA Seal is intended to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with comfort, health, and safety in mind. Simply put, Chaco is fit for adventure. Please visit us at www.chacos.com, Facebook: Chacos, Instagram: ChacoFootwear, Twitter: Chacousa.  

Chaco is a part of Wolverine Worldwide’s Outdoor and Lifestyle Group.

About the National Park Foundation:
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.