Sears Blue Tool Crew and Ty Pennington Announce Finalists for Second Annual 'Unsung Heroes: Dads Making a Difference' Contest

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sears Blue Tool Crew is encouraging Americans to vote and help Sears recognize some very deserving dads who use their tools and talents for the greater good of the communities in which they live. Throughout the month of May, the Sears Blue Tool Crew, with the help of last year's winner Charlie Muller, collected nominations of inspiring dads across the country. The Sears Blue Tool Crew and Ty Pennington worked together to narrow the field to 10 lucky finalists for the Second Annual "Unsung Heroes: Dads Making a Difference" Contest. Now through July 3, you can read the influential stories of the finalists and cast your vote for a winner at www.Facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew. While voting, you can also enter for a chance to win one million Shop Your Way Rewards(SM) points.  

"The competition was tough this year, and selecting the 10 finalists was no easy task. The volunteer work of these dads truly reflects the spirit of Sears Tools Do It Together Program (DIT)," said Ty Pennington, Sears Tools spokesperson. "DIT is all about using your tools and talents for the greater good, and these dads have done just that in their communities."

Each of the 10 finalists is already a winner and will receive $3,000 worth of tools from the Sears Blue Tool Crew. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to further advance his community work through the $30,000 in services and assistance from Sears. Once the grand prize winner is selected, the Sears Blue Tool Crew Do It Together team will bring the winner's project to life. The winner will be determined solely by America's vote at www.Facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew. The finalists are:  

• Tom B., Sweetwater, Tenn.
• Max C., Huntsville, Ala.
• Andrew F., Simsbury, Conn.
• Richard F., Beavercreek, Ohio
• Lorenzo H., Albany N.Y.
• Bill K., Falls Creek, Va.
• Spencer L., Moore, Idaho
• Matt R., Cleveland, Tenn.
• Mackey R., Albany, N.Y.
• Terry S., Port Charlotte, Fla.

"We are thrilled to give these 10 deserving dads the opportunity to receive tools for their community projects, and are excited to give Americans the opportunity to choose an outstanding finalist who will ultimately receive the grand prize," said Bill Kiss, chief marketing officer, Tools for Sears Holdings. "We hope the inspiring stories from our 'Dads Making a Difference' finalists will motivate America to Do It Together, volunteer and make a difference in their communities as these gentlemen have clearly done," Kiss added.

The Sears Blue Tool Crew encourages friends and family in the finalists' hometowns to place their votes, and spread the word in their neighborhoods – to help their neighbor win the grand prize project. From June 20 - July 3, Americans can cast their votes for their favorite finalist. Official contest rules are available at www.Facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew under the 'Dads Making a Difference' application.

The grand prize winner will be announced on Facebook on July 11. He will receive $30,000 in services and assistance from the Sears Blue Tool Crew to further advance his volunteer efforts.

Shop Your Way Rewards

This year, voters can enter for a chance to win one million Shop Your Way Rewards points. While placing a vote via the 'Dads Making a Difference' Facebook application, users will be prompted to enter their Shop Your Way Rewards member number. If the voter does not currently have a Shop Your Way Rewards member number, he or she will have the option of signing up for a membership. Membership is not required to place a vote for a finalist. Official rules for a chance to win one million Shop Your Way Rewards points can be found at www.Facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew.

Shop Your Way Rewards is a free program that rewards loyal customers for shopping at Sears, Kmart and The Great Indoors. As a member, you earn points buying the things you want and need. Then you can redeem those points at checkout when you shop online or in-store. Members are rewarded with custom offers throughout the year based on their shopping experience. Plus, members enjoy sale notifications and a dedicated customer service call center. For more information on the benefits and rules of the Shop Your Way Rewards program, visit www.shopyourwayrewards.com.  

About Do It Together

The Sears Blue Tool Crew, America's trusted tool advisors, recognizes that "Do It Yourself" has evolved into "Do It Together." Projects big and small are all accomplished the right way by working together as a team for the common good. Rebuilding Together, Sears Holdings' Heroes at Home partner will be assisting with the Do It Together community service efforts. To be continually updated with information on upcoming programs and projects, the latest news, deals and contests, including great offers from the Sears Blue Tool Crew, such as the Craftsman Club/Shop Your Way Rewards program, demos and testimonials:

• Like the Sears Blue Tool Crew Facebook page via Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew

• Follow the Sears Blue Tool Crew Do It Together Team on Twitter @BlueToolCrew

http://www.twitter.com/BlueToolCrew

• Subscribe to the Sears Blue Tool Crew Do It Together Team YouTube Channel at

http://www.youtube.com/SearsBlueToolCrew

About the Sears Blue Tool Crew Unsung Heroes: Dads Making A Difference Contest

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years or older who did not purchase any equipment for purposes of entering the Contest. Nominate a Dad Before: 6/10/11. To enter and for Official Rules, including prize descriptions, visit www.facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew.  Void where prohibited.

About the Sears Blue Tool Crew Shop Your Way Rewards Contest

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 18 YEARS AND OLDER.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes ends 7/3/11. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit www.facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew.  Sponsor: Sears Holdings Management Corporation, 333 Beverly Road, D2-273A, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179.

About Sears Heroes at Home

The Heroes at Home program has provided the means for hundreds of military families to shop for in-demand items and necessities during the holidays through its Wish Registry, and the program will continue to provide support to service members, veterans and their families through joint efforts with various nonprofit organizations, including Rebuilding Together and the USO. The program has already helped hundreds of deserving military families by raising more than $21 million to support the rebuilding of more than 1,000 homes by the end of 2011

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at http://www.searsholdings.com.

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Contact Information:
Larry Costello
Sears Holdings Corp.
(847) 286-9036

Kasey Salt
Zeno Group for Sears
(312) 731-0233
[email protected]

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation