Jun 06, 2005
Pro-football player asks local students for their autographs in exchange
for school supplies and funding as part of nationwide program to collect
one million autographs
Detroit, June 6, 2005 - Having already made his mark as the team's
all-time leading scorer, Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson is set to
make his mark on education today at the Gabriel Richard School. Hanson
is asking students from the Detroit-area school for their autographs -
part of the nationwide Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education"
program.
Well-known as the autograph pen of choice, Sharpie is enlisting the
support of celebrities and professional athletes like Hanson to appeal
to people in communities across the country for their signatures.
Sharpie plans to collect one million autographs this year, resulting in
a donation of $1 million in school supplies and funding.
As the Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education" tour stops in
Detroit, Hanson invites the students, teachers, parents and members of
the community to put their autograph on education. In exchange for the
autographs, Sharpie will donate $10,000 in school supplies and funding
to the elementary school.
"It's important to teach today's youth about the value of their
education," said Hanson. "I'm proud to back Sharpie's dedication to the
school systems and inspire people to get involved so that schools, like
this one, can get the materials and funding they need. It's exciting to
be a part of a program that directly impacts the students both here in
Detroit and across the country."
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 because of partners like Jason
Hanson and the support of communities like Detroit across the country."
Gabriel Richard School proudly adds its 600-plus autographs to the
Sharpie efforts to collect one million signatures. Karen Dudley,
principal of Gabriel Richard School, expresses gratitude to both Hanson
and Sharpie for the continued support of education with its donation.
"Having Jason bring this program to our school is a great motivating
experience for our students," said Dudley."He's a role model for many of
them, and to have Jason sharing his experiences is incredible. We're so
pleased to be a part of Sharpie's educational efforts and will be
putting the supplies and additional funding to good use right away in
our classrooms."
Hanson's visit to Gabriel Richard School is the fifth stop on a 10-city
exhibition tour, which kicked off in Jacksonville, Fla. and then moved
on to Las Vegas, Baltimore and on to Dallas. 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 will criss-cross 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. 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, 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®, 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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