Nov 09, 2004
Tampa, Fla. - Sharpie, the popular brand of permanent markers widely known
as the autograph pen of choice for celebrities, professional athletes and
their fans and among the leading brands from Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL)
is partnering with Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl quarterback Brad
Johnson for the Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education" program.
Tampa is the finale to the program that supports the community-based
education, helping encourage quality learning experiences for kids.
To support the launch of Sharpie Retractable markers, Johnson is
bringing the program to Tampa by delivering school supplies and raising
funds for Safety Harbor Middle School. Johnson, along with other
professional athletes, is asking for the autographs of area teachers,
parents, and children this year in exchange for Sharpie donating
much-needed school supplies and funds.
"It is not so long ago that I was standing in these students' shoes,"
said Johnson, whose mother is the assistant principal at Safety Harbor.
"My mom taught me early on that the best way to be successful is to
invest in yourself with a good education. I am glad to be part of the
Sharpie program and making a difference."
The Sharpie Retractable Autographs for Education program has visited
Cleveland, Seattle, Green Bay and now Tampa. The four-city nationwide
program concludes in Tampa achieving a total of $30,000 in cash and
school supplies.
"We've got some of the best Buc fans right here at our school," said
Ellen Johnson, assistant principal at Safety Harbor Middle School and
proud mother of Brad. "We're happy to accept the generous gift from
Sharpie with the help of my son and are proud to be the final stop for
the tour in 2004."
"Sharpie is happy to be teamed up with tremendous athletes like Brad-
and even more importantly, a great person like Brad - for this
worthwhile education program," said Rory Leyden, president of Sanford,
makers of Sharpie. "This program has been an influential way to support
to community education initiatives and schools like Safety Harbor Middle
School, as well as around the country."
Sharpie Retractable markers are available in 8-colors: black, red, blue,
green, orange, berry, lime and turquoise. The suggested retail price
for 2-, 3-, 4-, and 8-packs are $4.89, $7.33, $9.78, and $19.56,
respectively. Available at office supply stores and other retailers
nationwide, Sharpie Retractable joins significant innovations in 2004
that target a wide range of enthusiasts from the hobbyist to the
do-it-yourselfer.
About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie®
Sharpie is the popular brand of permanent markers celebrating its 40th
anniversary this year. Sanford, maker of Sharpie permanent markers, is a
division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL), a worldwide leader in
the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and
office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®,
Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, Foohy®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®,
among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from
markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing
instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com or
sanfordcorp.com for more information.
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