Sep 30, 2005
CHICAGO, September 30, 2005 - Bears' Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera
scores for hometown education efforts today, as he asks students,
teachers, coaches and parents from Francis Parkman School for their
autographs as part of the Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education"
program. In exchange for the signatures, Oak Brook-based Sharpie will
donate $10,000 in school supplies and funding to the elementary school.
Francis Parkman earned this special event and donation because of its
perfect attendance record on the first day of school earlier this month.
"It's wonderful to be a part of improving the educational experience of
students here and across the country," said Rivera. "I'm proud to team
with Sharpie and empower students, teachers and parents to help their
schools receive needed funding and supplies. Francis Parkman School has
proven to be a model school in this community, and I am thrilled to
celebrate this event with them."
Rivera joins an enviable list of high-profile personalities who have
hosted autograph sessions and school assemblies this year to make their
mark on education, including pro football Hall of Famers Howie Long and
Dan Dierdorf, as well as entertainment personalities like country music
star Jo Dee Messina. With help from Rivera and others, Sharpie is
elevating its pledge to the nation's schools throughout 2005, to $1
million in school supplies and funding, 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 now at 800,000
autographs and counting, and with the help of partners like Ron, our
message will be heard in Chicago and across the country."
Francis Parkman School proudly adds its autographs to the Sharpie
efforts to collect one million signatures. Demetra Kirksey, principal of
Francis Parkman School, offers appreciation to both Rivera and Sharpie
for the continued support of education with its donation.
"We are very excited to welcome Ron and this program to our school,"
said Kirksey. "The students are eager for the opportunity to meet and
learn from him, and we can't wait to put the supplies and funding to
good use. We are thrilled to be a part of Sharpie's program and to be
able to improve our children's learning environment."
Sharpie's "Autographs for Education" tour kicked off earlier this year
in Jacksonville, Fla., and then moved on to Las Vegas, Baltimore,
Bristol, Tenn.; Canton, Ohio; Dallas, Detroit, Boston and now Sharpie's
hometown of Chicago. The tour will wrap up in Miami later this fall.
Throughout the remainder of the year, a fleet of Sharpie-branded
all-terrain vehicles will continue to stop at local festivals and
special events across the country. The vehicles feature interactive
games, product sampling opportunities, and official entry forms for the
signature collection effort. Complete sweepstakes rules and entry
methods 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 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, 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 twelve colors: black, red, blue, green, orange, berry, lime,
turquoise, aqua, navy, plum and purple. The suggested retail price for
2-, 3-, 4-, 8- and 12-packs are $4.89, $7.33, $9.78, $19.56 and $29.33,
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®
For more than 40 years, 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®,
FoohyTM, 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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