Actor Rob Lowe "Lends a Hand" to Habitat for Humanity to Launch the Valspar Hands for Habitat Program

NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, actor Rob Lowe joined Valspar Paint and Habitat for Humanity International in unveiling Valspar Hands for Habitat, an initiative to auction the handprints of celebrities and notable personalities to benefit Habitat for Humanity's relief efforts in Haiti. Habitat has set a goal to serve 50,000 families impacted by Haiti's 2010 earthquake, helping move them toward safe, secure and permanent housing. Those donating to the auction created their handprints using Valspar paint.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110822/CL55360LOGO)

"I am deeply honored to partner with Valspar Paint and Habitat for Humanity for this important initiative that will help Haitian families rebuild their lives," said Valspar Hands for Habitat ambassador Rob Lowe. "Having access to adequate shelter is a basic human right that everyone deserves. Valspar and Habitat are bringing low-income families the help they so desperately need."

In addition to Rob Lowe, other notable personalities donating their handprints to the Valspar Hands for Habitat initiative include Andy Cohen, Angie Harmon, Ashley Greene, Calvin Klein, Cynthia Rowley, Donnie Wahlberg, Ellen DeGeneres, Ethan Hawke, James Earl Jones, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jason Sehorn, Jonathan Adler, Katie Couric, Kid Rock, Lauren Conrad, Naomi Watts, Nate Berkus, Paula Deen, Susan Sarandon, Teri Hatcher, Tori Spelling, Vanessa Williams, Zac Posen and many more.

In a nod to Haiti's historically colorful homes and Valspar's belief in the transformative power in color, the handprints were made using a variety of Valspar Paint colors. In addition to proceeds from the auction, Valspar is also donating $1,000 for each set of celebrity handprints donated for auction.

"Valspar is proud to continue our longstanding relationship with Habitat and our commitment to making a positive impact in communities everywhere," said Howard Heckes, senior vice president, Valspar Global Consumer. "Through the Valspar Hands for Habitat program and our work with Habitat for Humanity, we have a unique opportunity to help transform people's lives and connect them to the power in color."

Valspar is encouraging the general public to support this initiative and "lend a hand" by taking a picture of their own hands and posting it to the Valspar Paint Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ValsparPaint. For every photo received, Valspar will donate $1 to Habitat for Humanity.

The Valspar Hands for Habitat program is part of an ongoing partnership between Valspar and Habitat for Humanity International. Valspar Paint has donated more than $40 million in cash and paint contributions to the organization. Valspar and Habitat recently marked their long-standing partnership by celebrating the 1 millionth gallon of Valspar Paint donated to Habitat.

"Valspar has generously supported Habitat's work with creative efforts for more than 25 years," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "We are so grateful for their continued commitment to provide secure, decent housing in the United States, and we so appreciate the Valspar Hands for Habitat program, which will enable us to help more families in Haiti rebuild their lives."

The Valspar Hands for Habitat auction will go live on Monday, August 22nd at 8:30 a.m. For additional information and to find out how you too can "lend a hand", visit www.Facebook.com/ValsparPaint.

About The Valspar Corporation

The Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL) is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer service in the coatings industry.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International