AT&T and Case-Mate Partner with GRAMMY Award Winning Musician and Actor, COMMON to Benefit Chicago Youth

ATLANTA, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Case-Mate, the international design company known for creating fashion-forward mobile accessories, announced it has created an exclusive portfolio of art-inspired smartphone cases for AT&T to help benefit Chicago's youth.

AT&T and Case-Mate have partnered with Chicago's own GRAMMY award winning hip-hop artist and actor COMMON to design the cases. For each case purchased, a $5 donation will be made to support COMMON's non-profit organization – the Common Ground Foundation.

"Growing up in Chicago, the art I was exposed to had an incredible impact on my life," said COMMON. "It forced me to look at the world through the eyes of others, and inspired me to express myself in creative new ways. I am excited to work with AT&T and Case-Mate to reach more kids and help them discover how their talents can make the world a better place."

Beginning February 26, six different original Case-Mate designs, inspired by urban murals, mosaics, graffiti, and sculptures; will be on display for purchase in AT&T's Chicago flagship store at 600 N. Michigan Avenue, 45 AT&T retail stores across the greater Chicagoland area, and online at ATT.com. Smartphone case designs will be available for the iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5, and Samsung Galaxy S3.

"The Common Ground Foundation has made a huge impact on Chicago," said Shashi Reddy, Case-Mate CEO. "We are pleased to partner with AT&T and the Common Ground Foundation to channel the powerful ethos of Chicago's art scene in a way that benefits its youth."

"AT&T is excited to collaborate with Case-Mate in support of the Common Ground Foundation's efforts to benefit our local youth," said AT&T Chicago Area Manager Christina Cheng. "These specialty phone cases are a unique way that our customers can help make a difference in our local community, and we are honored to play a part in that."

The Common Ground Foundation avidly works to support its mission to improve the lives and educational opportunities of adolescents, ages 13-15, in the areas of character development, creative expression, and healthy living. The foundation was recognized by CNN Heroes in 2011; and also by the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2010 as a philanthropic organization doing great work in urban communities.

About Case-Mate: 

Case-Mate is the leader in design of fashion-forward accessories for mobile technology and tablets. Since 2006, the company has helped consumers express their individual style with products that protect, adorn and enhance their mobile devices. Working with top designers from around the world and using cutting-edge materials, Case-Mate's team of technology and design aficionados has created an extensive repertoire of mobile and tablet cases right for any style and every occasion. For more information, visit http://www.case-mate.com. Follow @CaseMate on Twitter and Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CaseMate.  

About the Common Ground Foundation:

The Common Ground Foundation is an organization dedicated to developing youth in underserved communities into upstanding citizens and outstanding community leaders. Created by respected Hip-Hop artist, Children's author, and Actor, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, also known as COMMON, the organization has connected with youth around the world.  The mission is to use creative arts to expose youth to new opportunities.  The Common Ground Foundation has developed impactful education initiatives including COMMON's Dreamers & Believers Summer Youth Camp and Mentoring Program specifically reaching public school students in Chicago. The youth camp is designed to provide students with new experiences in outdoor activities, along with curriculum and practice in Healthy Living, Character Education, Money Management, and of course Creative Expression! Following the camp experience, the Mentoring Program continues for 3 years; supporting the students' transition into High School, ensuring they maintain high attendance and passing grades, and addressing various academic and social challenges.

For additional information, and the latest, on the Common Ground Foundation please visit: www.commongroundfoundation.org.

SOURCE Case-Mate