Rock Valley Physical Therapy is teaming with Amento Footwear and Active Endeavors to benefit the Quad-Cities based Veterans Outreach Center.
Amento, a new footwear brand brought to life by two industry veterans – Readlyn, Iowa, native Ryan Erickson, and Moline native Bill Wirz – will launch its line of athletic-inspired, outdoor sandals from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, April 24-27, at the Active Endeavors Tent Sale at its 3950 Elmore Ave., Davenport, location.
For every pair of Amento Products sold during that time, Active Endeavors and Amento will provide a contribution to the adaptive sports programs for veterans, in concert with efforts already in place by Rock Valley Physical Therapy with the Davenport-based Veterans Outreach Center.
Founded in 1984, Rock Valley is one of the largest therapist-owned and therapist-led private physical therapy companies in the nation. It operates 60-plus clinics across four states and employs over 550 people. Across the regions served, Rock Valley has designated veteran outreach programs as its primary fundraising target for 2025.
“Building better communities is all about joining forces with people and organizations who share our passion for making better lives,’’ Mike Horsfield, Rock Valley Physical Therapy CEO, said in a news release. “We are excited to work alongside Ryan and Bill with Amento and (President) Matt (Ostrom) at Active Endeavors to support the Veterans Outreach Center.’’
The launch party at Active Endeavors will feature an exclusive first look at the Amento collection, which includes four styles designed to meet the needs of both casual and active outdoor sandal wearers looking for an incredibly comfortable, lightweight sandal.
“Bill and I are excited to launch Amento in the Quad Cities in the state where our roots are,” said Mr. Erickson, co-founder and CEO of Amento, who began his career in 1992 with Reebok and has played a major role in the success of such brands as Timberland, Rockport and Teva.
“Active Endeavors is an incredible partner, and we are proud to support our gold-level dealer while also supporting Rock Valley Physical Therapy as they, in turn, support a fantastic local non-profit doing wonderful things for the veteran community,” he added.
“I really love the shoe business and was a “sneakerhead’ long before the term was coined back in the ‘80s,” added Mr. Ericksen. “I was already painting my shoes and re-stitching logos during my Wapsie Valley (High School) and Wartburg (College) days.’’
A staple in the industry and supporter of veterans in the Quad Cities, Active Endeavors also is excited to be part of the Amento launch.
“We have long offered a veterans discount and had tremendous appreciation for their impact,’’ Mr. Ostrom said in the release. “It’s a terrific way for us to give back and show our appreciation and help with a program to better the lives of veterans. I have known Ryan for many years, have great respect for him and this project. It is an exciting weekend for us.’’
The launch event will also feature a raffle for free pairs of Amento sandals, giveaways, and noteworthy discounts on purchases throughout the evening.
