Jul 25, 2005
Program asks athletes, celebrities and attendees for their autographs at
26th annual National Sports Collectors Convention in exchange for school
supplies and funding
OAK BROOK, Ill. - As autograph seekers gather in Chicago this week for
the 26th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, Sharpie is asking
for their autographs. The well-known autograph pen of choice is
enlisting the support of celebrities, professional athletes and their
fans to raise one million signatures, resulting in a donation of $1
million in supplies and funds to schools nationwide.
Individuals at the event, held in the Donald E. Stephens Convention
Center in Rosemont, Ill. July 27 - 31, will be asked to sign a giant
autograph wall supporting Sharpie's "Autographs for Education" program.
Sharpie is elevating its pledge to the nation's schools throughout 2005,
recognizing essential needs resulting from funding challenges schools
face.
"This year's program is the most comprehensive community effort in the
brand's more than 40-year history," said Rory Leyden, president of
Sharpie. "Although we have executed this program on a local level since
2003, we've broadened its reach this year in terms of the dollar amount
donated and the addition of college scholarships. We're certain we'll
reach the million mark for autographs with the help of athletes,
celebrities and fans like those at The National Sports Collectors
Convention and the support of communities like Chicago across the
country."
The visit to Chicago is the latest stop on a multi-city exhibition tour,
which kicked off in Jacksonville, Fla. and then moved on to Las Vegas,
Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, and most recently Milwaukee. The
Sharpie Autographs for Education program heads to Canton, Ohio next
month working with Dan Dierdorf to kick off the 2005 Pro Football Hall
of Fame celebration. This summer the program will continue to team up
with athletes and other inspiring personalities to celebrate its
mid-year milestone of collecting autographs toward the 2005 one million
autograph goal.
Sharpie Retractable's commitment to Autographs for Education also
includes online resources for teachers and fun for students, including
free lesson plans and a virtual autograph wall. In the community,
Sharpie's Autographs for Education tour is criss-crossing the country in
a fleet of Sharpie-branded all-terrain vehicles throughout 2005,
stopping at festivals and special events, like the Sharpie 500 Race in
Bristol,Tenn. August 27. The vehicles feature interactive games, product
sampling opportunities, and official entry forms for the signature
collection effort. Complete entry methods for the signature collection
effort can be found at retailers nationwide and at www.sharpie.com.
Inspired after a Sharpie marker was featured in a high-profile and
somewhat controversial professional touchdown celebration in 2002, the
Sharpie Retractable Autographs for Education program has been bringing
motivation, funds and school supplies to students, teachers and schools
for two years. Since its inception, Sharpie Autographs for Education
personalities have included NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion Kurt Busch, NFL
Hall of Famer and broadcaster Howie Long, Baltimore's Brian Roberts, the
PGA TOUR's Chad Campbell, Philadelphia's Terrell Owens, Pittsburgh's
Hines Ward, Green Bay's Donald Driver, Denver's Rod Smith, Kansas City's
Tony Gonzalez, Seattle's Grant Wistrom, Minnesota's Brad Johnson and
Detroit's Jason Hanson, among others.
About Sharpie Retractable
With a retractable writing tip and no caps to lose, Sharpie markers are
now easier and more convenient to use. Sharpie Retractable is available
in eight 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
other significant writing innovations 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 long-associated with
the autograph experience. Sanford, maker of Sharpie, 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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