Feb 20, 2007
Program Making a 'Permanent' Mark on Community-based Education
Organizations Nationwide
(Cleveland, Ohio) - Sharpie®, the popular brand of permanent markers
deemed the autograph pen of choice for celebrities, sports figures and
their fans, is teaming up with Cleveland Browns rising wide receiver star
Andre Davis to launch a nationwide program supporting community-based
education organizations.
Kicking off today at the Mount Pleasant Boys & Girls Club in Cleveland,
Davis will ask for the "autographs" of teachers, parents, children and
the media in exchange for a donation of school supplies and funds to
help continue the much-needed programs for the area's youth. The event
marks the start of the second year of the Sharpie program that continues
to help education efforts throughout the country.
"I enjoy meeting the fans and signing autographs," said Davis, who
scored 12 touchdowns for the Browns in his first two years, emerging as
the team's No. 1 go-to receiver. "Years ago, I remember what it was
like when I was the one seeking the autograph. Today, the autographs
Sharpie Retractable and I are asking for mean a whole lot more - they
are making a positive impact on community education. My teachers and
coaches were my mentors and working with Sharpie to give back to the
Cleveland community is important to me."
Labeled Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education," the program
elicits the support of professional athletes and celebrities arriving in
custom-designed Sharpie Retractable all-terrain vehicles to deliver
schools supplies and collect the signatures on over-sized 8-by-10 foot
autograph walls. Sharpie is pledging up to $30,000 in cash and school
supplies during the summer and fall.
Cleveland is the first of four events across the country benefiting
select community education programs and schools. Additional events are
planned in Milwaukee, Tampa and Seattle.
"We're proud to team up with Andre and others leading professional
athletes and celebrities for this program," said Rory Leyden, chief
marketing officer for Sanford, makers of Sharpie markers. "By getting
these role models on board, we can help the worthwhile efforts of
organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and local schools."
The kick-off Autographs for Education event also comes on the eve of the
National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, the largest sports
memorabilia event in the country, where Sharpie will introduce autograph
enthusiasts, professional athletes and celebrities to new Sharpie
Retractable markers. The innovative fine point permanent marker series
require no caps and can be operated by simply using one hand - just
click and write.
In addition to supporting community-based education, Sharpie Retractable
is also featuring four Sharpie all-terrain vehicles as part of its
Sharpie Blitz opening up the professional football season. The Sharpie
fleet of all-terrain vehicles will visit more than 150 events in 2004.
Last summer, Sharpie debuted the program with wide receiver Terrell
Owens, former San Francisco 49er and now Philadelphia Eagle. The tours
of community programs and schools also featured former St. Louis Rams
defensive end Grant Wistrom and now Seattle Seahawk, Rod Smith of the
Denver Broncos and Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie®
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Sharpie is the popular brand
of permanent markers. Sanford, maker of Sharpie permanent markers, is a
worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing
instruments, including such well known brands as Sharpie®, Paper Mate®,
Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, Foohy® and uni-ball®, among others. Sanford
makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils
to professional art products and fine writing instruments. Visit
sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland
In 2004, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland celebrates its 50th year of
playing an integral role in the city, providing daily programs and
services to 6,000 area young people. During the summer the Clubs are
open from Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with
programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education
and career enhancement, health and life skills, the arts, and sports,
fitness and recreation. A membership to the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Cleveland for youth, ages six to 18, is seven dollars per year.
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