May 05, 2006
Ireland and Sharpie® Seek Moms Who Make Their Mark in Meaningful Ways
This Mother's Day
May 5, 2006
The term "Super Mom" is being redefined this Mother's Day. According to
a survey by Sharpie® markers, today's moms are no longer trying to be
all things to all people, but instead are working to balance time with
the kids with time-out for themselves. In fact, 28 percent admit to
saying "no" to additional demands for their time, according to the poll,
which was conducted to find out how today's moms are managing their busy
lives.
"Signature moms are one-of-a-kind moms who don't try to do it all, said
Kathy Ireland, former supermodel turned entrepreneur of a $1.4 billion
annual retail business, Kathy Ireland Worldwide. Ireland is also the
mother of three and wife of an emergency room physician. "As moms, we've
learned the importance of setting priorities and balance. We know that
being a good mom means being good to yourself too. For me, my priorities
are my faith, my family and then being of service. The minute those
priorities are not being honored, the stress becomes unmanageable and I
am not very effective at anything. Setting boundaries helps."
In response to the findings, Sharpie and Ireland are launching a
nationwide search to recognize women who represent the best of today's
moms.
"Signature moms stand out because they have their own unique style of
parenting, said Ireland. "Whether it's making time for their family,
setting aside time for themselves, or volunteering at their child's
school, we want to know what makes her shine as a parent. Each mom is
amazing in her own way, and Sharpie and I want to celebrate Signature
Moms who leave their own unique mark."
According to the survey, 96 percent of moms agree that part of being a
great mom means taking time for themselves and treating themselves to
something they enjoy. For 30 percent, that something includes creative
endeavors or hobbies such as scrapbooking, baking, working out or
shopping. The majority (58 percent) of moms say that the one activity
they look forward to participating in most without their kids is an
evening out with their significant other. But despite moms' need for
down-time, busy moms say the number one stress-buster isn't a night on
the town or a day at the spa but quality time spent with loved ones (44
percent).
Sharpie's Signature Mom survey also found that one area where moms are
not willing to compromise is their children s education. To that end,
Sharpie continues its commitment to education with its Autographs for
Education program. The annual program seeks to collect one million
signatures in exchange for $1 million in school supplies and funds,
including college scholarships. To participate in the program, moms can
visit sharpie.com with their kids to create their own virtual signature.
To nominate a Signature Mom for the contest, visit sharpie.com. Submit
an essay of 100 words or less explaining what makes your nominee a
Signature Mom.Entries will be accepted between May 8 and June 30, 2006.
One grand prize-winning mom will receive a spa weekend getaway for two
and $10,000 in funds and supplies for the school of her choice as part
of Sharpie's Autographs for Education effort. Four first-place prize
winners will also be awarded spa packages.
For more information about the Sharpie Signature Mom Contest and
Sharpie's Autographs for Education program, visit sharpie.com.
About Sanford®, Maker of Sharpie®
For more than 40 years, Sharpie has been the popular brand of permanent
markers long-associated with the autograph experience. Sanford, maker of
Sharpie, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc., 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®, DYMO®, 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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