How Did Michael Jordan and Spike Lee Help a Rescue Mission? A Look Into the Personalized Honor That Could Save Lives

Several pairs of Jordans have made it to the auction block over the last few years. Game-worn Michael Jordan shoes, customs, retros – the list goes on. For the first time though, a custom-made pair of Jordan 3s was found in a donation box. Portland Rescue Mission is a 74-year-old organization that battles hunger, homelessness and addiction. They hit the lottery by finding a pair of golden-colored Nike sneakers that are expected to fetch a solid 20 grand in auction.

Furthermore, what’s to be noted is that the Jordan 3s have a history involving Oscar-winning director, Spike Lee. On hearing about the big find, a Nike shoe designer shared some insight into the legacy behind the custom-made gold sneakers, which were personalized for the 66-year-old filmmaker. 

Portland Rescue Mission hit jackpot featuring Spike Lee and Michael Jordan 

Who would have expected to find a custom-made pair of Jordan 3s in a donation box? James Free, a trainer from the Portland Rescue Mission not only found a random pair of Jordans sneakers, but these were personalized kicks that were designed for Spike Lee, in honor of his Oscar nomination in 2019. 

According to the members of the rescue mission, “He[Free] was sorting through a large crate of backlogged donations when he saw the shiny pair of gold Nike Air Jordan 3 sneakers.” Soon after the find, they got to know about the iconic history behind the shoes. 

Spike Lee had hired a Nike designer, Tinker Hatfield, to create new Jordan 3s for a small group of people involved in his Oscar nominated film, ‘BlacKkKlansman’. As per reports, Hatfield had made only four to five sneakers and one of them is now with the rescue mission.  Hatfield in disbelief shared, “I’m thrilled the shoes ended up here… It’s a happy ending to a really great project.” 

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Pictures of the gold shoes sitting on a bin at the rescue mission have left the internet stunned. Well, Michael Jordan and Spike Lee will be delighted with the cause they get to indirectly support.

What does this mean for the Portland Rescue Mission?

The shoes are expected to make bank at an auction this December 18. Because there are just four of these shoes in the world, there is a good chance that they will be sold for an exorbitant amount.

According to reports, it’s expected to make around $20,000, but you never know when it comes to the Jordan brand. Whatsoever, this means the most to the Portland Rescue Mission. The profits from the auction will be used for funding more recovery programs.

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The non-profit organization shared, “James could not be more pleased that the sneakers he uncovered in a bin of discarded items will help hundreds of men, who also feel disregarded, find a pathway forward and a new community that reminds them of their worth.”

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