Dec 13, 2005
Miami Linebacker asks local students for their autographs in exchange
for an early holiday gift of school supplies and funds as part of
nationwide program to collect one million autographs
MIAMI - Dolphin Linebacker Channing Crowder tackles education efforts
today, as he asks students, teachers, coaches and parents at Miami
Northwestern Senior High School for their autographs as part of the
Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education" program. In exchange for
the signatures, Sharpie will start the holiday early and donate $10,000 in
school supplies and funds to the high school.
"It's incredible to team up with Sharpie and be a part of the
'Autographs for Education' program here in Miami," said Crowder. "I love
the feeling of winning a game, and now being able to help students,
teachers and parents get needed funds and supplies is awesome. I am
honored to be part of the final push for Sharpie autographs in 2005."
Crowder wraps up Sharpie's yearlong search for one million autographs on
the ten-city tour. He joins an enviable list of high-profile
personalities who have hosted autograph sessions at school assemblies
throughout the 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 Crowder and others, Sharpie has elevated its pledge to
the nation's schools throughout 2005, to $1 million in school supplies
and funds, recognizing essential needs resulting from funding challenges
schools face.
"This year's program was the most comprehensive community effort in the
brand's more than 40-year history and we look forward to ending the 2005
'Autographs for Education' tour on a high-note in Miami," said Rory
Leyden, president of Sharpie. "It's been a great year and we are happy
to work with Channing to bring the message of education to Miami."
Miami Northwestern Senior High School proudly adds its autographs to the
Sharpie efforts to collect one million signatures. Ora Whitehead, vice
principal of Miami Northwestern Senior High School, offers thanks to
both Crowder and Sharpie for the continued support of education.
"We're very excited to welcome Channing and the Sharpie program to our
school," Whitehead said. "At Miami Northwestern Senior High School, we
are committed to assisting our students in their academic development
and it is so moving to see that Sharpie shares our mission and is
working to improve our children's learning environment."
Having traveled from Las Vegas to Dallas, Chicago to Baltimore, among
others, the Sharpie "Autographs for Education" tour has enlisted schools
and communities across the country to leave their mark on education in
2005. The 2006 "Autographs for Education" program will kickoff this
February in Detroit, just before the biggest 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 two years. Since its inception, Sharpie "Autographs for Education"
personalities have included 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, 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®
Sharpie is the popular brand of permanent markers long-associated with
the autograph experience for more than 40 years. 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®, Waterma®, 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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