According to the US-based company, 320 000 votes were received for the 8 nominated charities, with the National Parkinson Foundation receiving the most votes. The 7 runners-up will also each receive a 5 000 US dollars donation from DSW.

All participating charities were nominated by DSW associates, and Katie Back nominated the National Parkinson Foundation since this cause was a personal one: "My mom was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's last year and my family and I have watched the disease progress both mentally and physically. Her life changed drastically over the last year, so this donation really means a lot to my family."

Joyce Oberdorf, President & CEO of NPF commented: "Our mission is to improve the quality of care for people with Parkinson's disease through research, education, and outreach. It's because of people like Katie and companies like DSW that one person can truly be that candle that lights up the whole world."

Leave Your Mark allows DSW to support the philanthropic passions of their associates. "This campaign allows us to give back to the community in a way that means something to the individuals who work here. Parkinson's disease affects many families and this contribution allows us to support Katie's family as well as extend the support provided by the National Parkinson Foundation", stated Jonica Armstrong, Manager of Community Relations at DSW.