MADISON, WIS., JULY 27, 2005 – Famous Footwear, America's largest footwear chain selling value-priced, brand name family footwear, has reached the $1 million mark in its 2005 fundraising for March of Dimes, the chain's national charity partner. 

In addition to corporate and employee contributions from Famous Footwear and its parent company Brown Shoe, customer donations played an important role in reaching the $1 million milestone.  In fact, shoe shoppers adding a few dollars to their purchases in Famous Footwear stores accounted for more than three-fourths of the total funds raised.
“This success is a testament to the dedication of Famous Footwear employees' leadership and the generosity of all their customers," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. 

There are only nine other American companies at the exclusive million-dollar corporate partner level.  Since 2003, Famous Footwear and its parent Brown Shoe have contributed more than $2.5 million to March of Dimes as a national WalkAmerica sponsor. 

Funds raised through WalkAmerica will be used to fund March of Dimes research and programs, including its Prematurity Campaign, an initiative to address the rising problem of premature birth, the leading cause of newborn death in the United States.  Every year, more than 480,000 babies are born prematurely.  Since 1981, there has been a 29 percent increase in babies born too early and too small, and the reason is frequently unknown. 

Now in its 35th year, March of Dimes WalkAmerica takes place in more than 1,200 communities nationwide. 

Famous Footwear is a division of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. (NYSE: BWS), which has $2.3 billion in sales as a retailer and wholesaler of footwear.  Famous Footwear is America's largest footwear chain selling branded, footwear for the entire family. With stores in every state, Famous Footwear ranks among the top retailers of such well-known brands as Nike, adidas, Skechers, Buster Brown and New Balance.  Famous Footwear is proud to be a national partner of the March of Dimes, and sponsors WalkAmerica events in more than 1,200 communities nationwide.  For more information, visit the company's websites at http://www.famousfootwear.com/ and http://www.brownshoe.com/.

 March of Dimes contact:
 Michele Kling, 914.997.4613

 Brown Shoe contacts:
 Erin Conroy or Beth Fagan, 314.854.4095