Eddie Bauer & One Warm Coat Collect More Than 6,000 Coats in Coast-to-Coast Drive

SEATTLE, Nov. 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Eddie Bauer, a specialty retailer of sportswear, outerwear, gear and accessories for the active, outdoor lifestyle, today announced that it collected more than 6,000 coats in its first coast-to-coast coat drive in partnership with One Warm Coat. One Warm Coat is the only national non-profit organization that works with local agencies to distribute donated coats for free to people in need.

From October 1 through November 21, 58 Eddie Bauer stores from Boston to Seattle collected and distributed coats via 14 local charities to ensure direct impact in each store's community. The multi-city campaign kicked off in Boston and continued through Detroit, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Denver and Boulder, culminating in Eddie Bauer's hometown of Seattle. On Sunday, November 21, Eddie Bauer celebrated the coat drive with a community event that included appearances by climbing legend Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mt. Everest in 1963; Whittaker's son and climber Leif Whittaker; and First Ascent Guides Ed Viesturs and Reggie Crist. The event, held at University Village in Seattle, also featured live performances from local bands.

"Eddie Bauer knew a warm coat could save a life. After nearly freezing to death on a fishing trip, he patented the first down jacket in the U.S.," said Neil Fiske, president and CEO of Eddie Bauer. "Now, through the generosity of our customers, we are able to affect the lives of more than 6,000 individuals. Eddie would be proud."

One Warm Coat has a long-standing commitment with groups, companies and organizations across the country to deliver donated coats directly to local agencies who in turn ensure coats are distributed free of charge to people in need. All partner charities focused on aiding the homeless in each respective city, including St. Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army, Hope for the City, Detroit Rescue Mission, Home of the Sparrow and Hesed House. In support of their mission, Eddie Bauer donated $10,000 to One Warm Coat.

ABOUT ONE WARM COAT

One Warm Coat is national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives.  It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need.  More than 1.5 million coats have been provided to those in need at no cost since its inception in 1992.

ABOUT EDDIE BAUER

Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells sportswear, outerwear, gear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle. The Eddie Bauer brand is a nationally recognized brand that stands for high quality, innovation, style and customer service. Eddie Bauer products are available at approximately 358 stores throughout the United States and Canada, through catalog sales and online at eddiebauer.com.

SOURCE Eddie Bauer