Dec 29, 2005
Oak Brook, Ill. -- More than one million people from across the United
States answered the call for autographs - for education. Sharpie, the
popular brand of permanent markers, today announced it has reached the
goal of one million signatures from teachers, parents and students in
communities nationwide, resulting in $1 million in supplies and funds to
schools across the country.
Well-known as the autograph pen of choice, Sharpie enlisted the support
of celebrities and professional athletes throughout 2005 to appeal to
people in communities across the country for their signatures.
With stops in Jacksonville, Fla, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit,
Canton, Ohio, Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Miami, and hundreds of
cities in between, professional athletes and celebraties invited
students, teachers, parents and members of the community to put their
autograph on education.
While the AFE program started in 2002, Sharpie elevated its pledge to
the nation's schools throughout 2005, recognizing essential needs
resulting from funding challenges schools face. The goal - one million
autographs. The program marks the largest education effort in the
Sharpie brand's more than 40-year history.
"We're pleased with the overwhelming response that emphasizes that the
nation's classrooms need supplies and education matters," said Rory
Leyden, president of Sharpie. "On behalf of Sharpie, we would like to
thank everyone who participated by putting their autograph on education.
We are committed to this program and are planning an XL launch and
campaign in 2006."
Sharpie's ongoing commitment to Autographs for Education 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 continues to criss-cross the country in a fleet of
Sharpie-branded all-terrain vehicles, stopping at festivals and special
events, like the Sharpie 500 NASCAR race in Bristol, Tenn. The vehicles
feature interactive games, product sampling opportunities, and official
entry forms for the signature collection effort. Complete entry methods
for the 2006 signature collection effort can be found at retailers
nationwide in January and at www.sharpie.com. The 2006 "Autographs for
Education" program will kickoff February 2006 in Detroit, just before
the biggest professional football game of the year.
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 three years. Since its inception, Sharpie Autographs for Education
personalities have included Grammy Award Winner and Country Music Star
Jodee Messina, 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion Kurt Busch, NFL Hall of
Famers Howie Long and Dan Dierdorf, Baltimore's Brian Roberts, PGA TOUR
standout Chad Campbell, Philadelphia's Terrell Owens, Pittsburgh's Hines
Ward, Green Bay's Donald Driver, Chicago's Ron Rivera, Denver's Rod
Smith, Detroit's Jason Hanson, Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez, Seattle's
Grant Wistrom, and Minnesota's Brad Johnson, 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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