Kolat offers free wrestling clinics at Santa Fe “AAU Grand Nationals” and collects autographs from youth wrestlers, coaches and parents to support education
SANTA FE, NM – Former Olympian Cary Kolat has signed his share of autographs, respected by many experts as one of the best amateur wrestlers of all time. Kolat is now visiting the Santa Fe AAU Grand Nationals July 13-16, offering free wrestling clinics and collecting signatures to benefit education. The effort supports the nationwide Sharpie Retractable “Autographs for Education” program.
Sharpie is asking for one million autographs from everyday people in exchange for $1 million in supplies and funds to schools through its Sharpie Retractable “Autographs for Education” program in 2005.
Well-known as the autograph pen of choice, Sharpie is enlisting the support of celebrities and athletes like Cary Kolat to appeal to communities across the country. As the Sharpie Retractable “Autographs for Education” tour stops in Santa Fe, Kolat is inviting students, coaches, parents and the community in general to put their autograph on education. The Kolat Wrestling clinics will be held from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 13 – Saturday, July 16 at the Toby Roybal Memorial Gymnasium on the campus of Santa Fe High School.
“We are asking for autographs from everyday people – not just celebrities,” said Kolat. “It’s fun to turn the tables a bit and collect autographs. It’s also a great way to give back to youth wrestling.”
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 Cary Kolat and passionate wrestling fans.”
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 local festivals and special events. 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, PGA TOUR player Chad Campbell, 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 Minnesota’s Brad Johnson and amateur wrestling’s Cary Kolat 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,®, 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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