SANTA MARIA - The third annual shoe extravaganza at Marian Medical Center kicked off, Thursday.
Proceeds will benefit the effort to build a new hospital in Santa Maria.
There were shoe styles for men, women and children, all sponsored by Birkenstock for sale.
So far, $90,000 was donated to the foundation over the years.
Organizers hope to double that amount because of the strong need for the hospital.
Joanne Szumski from Marian Medical Center told Your Central Coast News, "Oh goodness, we need it. We need it. We need the private rooms. And its just a need for the community"
The event runs until Friday, from 7am to 4pm, at the Marian Extended Care Center Conference Room.
More than $10,000 was raised by Thursday afternoon.
Organizers expect to end the day around $18,000.
The new hospital is set to open in March of 2012.
