Newell Rubbermaid's Writing and Creative Expression Global Business Unit Marks Over $2 Million in Donations to City of Hope

OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest writing and marking business reached a major milestone in its commitment to breast cancer research and prevention.  In 2011, Newell Rubbermaid's Writing and Creative Expression global business unit, which includes such brands as Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, Expo® and Prismacolor®, donated $1 million to City of Hope's Women's Cancers Program, bringing its total donation since it first inked a partnership with the institution in 2006 to $2.4 million.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120112/CG34328)

According to the American Cancer Society, a woman in the United States has a one in eight chance of developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

Newell Rubbermaid Pink Ribbon products benefitting City of Hope include: Sharpie® Marker, Pen and Highlighter; EXPO® Dry Erase Marker; Paper Mate® FlexGrip® Elite Pen and ComfortMate Ultra® Mechanical Pencil; Pink Pearl Eraser™; Liquid Paper® DryLine Grip; uni-ball® Signo™  207 Pen; Parker® Jotter® Pen; and Rolodex® Personal Card Case, Card Book, Journal and Padfolio.

"A portion of sales from every one of our Pink Ribbon products contributes to City of Hope's pioneering new prevention and treatment methods," said Ben Gadbois, president of the Writing and Creative Expression global business unit.  "Sales in 2011 jumped dramatically, which translated into our largest donation yet. Buying a Pink Ribbon pen or marker is such a simple way to show support, and we're thrilled consumers continue to make pink a priority when shopping our category.  Their support demonstrates just how much consumers continue to care about the cause and finding a cure."

"Today, more than two million women nationally are battling breast cancer," said Steve Martin, vice president of marketing for City of Hope. "City of Hope is at the forefront of research to ensure that patients, both at City of Hope and nationwide, benefit from new and improved treatments. The support of companies like Newell Rubbermaid enables us to push science forward and help patients who are fighting cancer."

Scientists with the Women's Cancers Program are investigating the biology of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers as well as interventions that could reduce cancer risk. Researchers also are identifying new treatments and prevention methods and examining issues affecting women with cancer and their families, such as spirituality, the emotional impact of cancer on caregivers, and other quality-of-life issues.

To learn more about City of Hope's Women's Cancers Program, visit http://womenscancers.cityofhope.org/.

Sharpie Inks It Pink
In addition to its Pink Ribbon product lineup, the Sharpie brand hosts "Ink It Pink," an annual campaign to support City of Hope.  As the preferred autograph marker of celebrities, the Sharpie brand's Ink It Pink program challenges celebrities and fans to ink it pink for the cause.  For every pink autograph signed and submitted to www.sharpie.com during the month of October, Sharpie donates $1, up to $10,000, to City of Hope. Celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, and rock artist Grace Potter from "Grace Potter and the Nocturnals" have lent their signatures as well as their time to the program. 

Newell Rubbermaid Pink Ribbon products are available wherever office products are sold. 

ABOUT NEWELL RUBBERMAID WRITING AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION GROUP
Newell Rubbermaid's Writing and Creative Expression Global Business Unit is 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®, EXPO®, Prismacolor®, uni-ball®, Liquid Paper® and Rolodex®, among others. Visit www.newellrubbermaid.com for more information.

ABOUT CITY OF HOPE
City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on facebook, twitter, youtube or flickr.

Susan Wassel, Sharpie
630.481.2018
[email protected]

SOURCE Newell Rubbermaid