Jan 29, 2007
OAK BROOK, Ill., January 29, 2007 – Ready for the ultimate autograph
experience? Sharpie® is offering an opportunity to connect with the
stars – literally. The popular brand of permanent markers known as the
autograph pen of choice plans to unveil a one-of-a-kind Sharpie marker
worth more than $10,000 in Miami during the week leading up to
football’s biggest game. Featuring more than 1,300 Swarovski® crystals
and 65 perfect-cut Hearts on Fire diamonds, the “Celebrity Edition”
Sharpie will be auctioned off for charity starting February 6.
The new Celebrity Edition Sharpie is being introduced as the brand
launches its “Autographs for Action” program, which aims to secure one
million autographs nationwide. In exchange, Sharpie will donate $1
million in supplies and funds to charities, community organizations and
schools across the country. The Autographs for Action program enlists
celebrities and professional athletes to inspire the public to make
their mark for positive, permanent change.
“From celebrities to fans, Sharpie markers are a memorable part of
giving and receiving autographs,” said Howard Heckes, president of
Sanford, maker of Sharpie. “And what better place to announce this
program than in Miami, just before the big game, where fans – and
Sharpie – will be seeking autographs all weekend.”
Sharpie Makes its Mark on Miami
In conjunction with America’s most watched sporting event, Sharpie is
teaming up with Ocean Drive magazine to host a suite at one of the most
highly anticipated hospitality events on South Beach -- the Style Villa.
The two-story glass structure will entertain a variety of celebrities,
athletes, recording artists and trendsetters who will be the first to
see the Celebrity Edition Sharpie unveiled by Green Bay’s All-Pro wide
receiver Donald Driver.
“A simple autograph can make a huge impact,” Driver said. “Together, we
can improve people’s situations and change lives – all with a signature.
Throughout the year, other celebrities will rally together with Sharpie
to host Autographs for Action events across the country.”
Driver will be the first Sharpie ambassador to submit his autograph for
the collection by signing Sharpie’s giant Autographs for Action wall on
Friday, February 2 at Style Villa. Other celebrities and athletes who
donate their signature throughout the weekend will receive their own
limited edition, crystal-studded Sharpie.
Earlier in the week, a fleet of all-terrain vehicles sponsored by
Sharpie will blanket Miami collecting autographs. Pittsburgh wide
receiver and 2005 big game MVP Hines Ward will solicit autographs, and
Driver will host an autograph session with Miami-area school children at
the NFL’s Youth Education Town to announce the donation by Sharpie of
$10,000 in funds and school supplies to the local educational and
recreational facility for youth in at-risk neighborhoods.
Sharpie Leaves its Signature in the Community – and Across the Country
The Sharpie Autographs for Action program includes a host of activities
and presence at high profile events throughout the year. From football’s
championship and entertainment award shows, to NASCAR races and local
festivals, Sharpie will be on hand collecting autographs from
celebrities, sports figures and the public. People can also submit their
virtual signature at www.sharpie.com to benefit the cause.
In 2007, the presence of the Sharpie brand in local communities includes
visits to 150 schools where Sharpie will award school supplies to
students and teachers nationwide. The grassroots efforts will feature
the Sharpie mobile tour delivering the products, interactive games, and
official entry forms for an education-based signature collection effort.
Complete sweepstakes rules and entry methods can be found at retailers
nationwide and at www.sharpie.com.
Inspired in 2002 after wide receiver Terrell Owens pulled a Sharpie
marker from his sock during an impromptu end- zone autograph session,
Sharpie has been bringing motivation, funds and supplies to local
schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other organizations for more than four
years. Sharpie celebrity ambassadors have included Dallas wide receiver
Terrell Owens, Pittsburgh wide receiver and MVP Hines Ward, NFL Hall of
Famers Howie Long and Steve Young, former supermodel turned entrepreneur
Kathy Ireland, and country music star Jo Dee Messina, among others.
About Sharpie®
For more than 40 years, Sharpie has been the popular brand of permanent
marker associated with the autograph experience. Sanford, maker of
Sharpie, is a Newell Rubbermaid company, 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
for more information.