Mar 30, 2005
March 30, 2005
OAK BROOK, Ill.- NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion Kurt Busch and the No. 97
Sharpie team aim to make a mark on racing history by earning a fourth
spring race victory in a row at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) April 3.
Busch is also putting his autograph on education during the Food City
500, driving a special Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education"
paint scheme featuring the signatures of students from his former middle
school in Las Vegas and students from Bristol.
At a BMS autograph session April 1, Busch and fifth grade students from
Bristol's Valley Pike Elementary will be putting the finishing touches
on the paint scheme, signing the back of the car for a "ride along"
during the race. Earlier in March, Busch collected autographs from
students at a special assembly for his former middle school in Las
Vegas. The signature paint scheme is part of Sharpie's nationwide
effort asking for one million autographs from everyday people in
exchange for $1 million in supplies and funds to schools. "
"When we were in Las Vegas two weeks ago, we visited my middle school
and collected students' autographs to come along with me to Bristol,"
said Busch. "Now we are getting the signatures of Bristol area
students. Sharpie and I are asking for fans' autographs to support this
program that will provide supplies and funds that schools and students
can really use."
Well-known as the autograph pen of choice, Sharpie is enlisting the
support of celebrities and professional athletes like No. 97 Sharpie
Ford driver Busch and his team to appeal to communities across the
country for their autographs. As the Sharpie Retractable "Autographs
for Education" tour stops in Bristol, the Sharpie team is inviting the
students, teachers, parents and the community in general to put their
autograph on education by visiting its displays at BMS.
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
Kurt Busch, the Sharpie racing team and the support of NASCAR fans
across the country."
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 Professional
250 in Bristol. 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 parents
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, 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 Tampa'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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