Press Release:
– Skate-Driven Brand to Help Spread Awareness and Raise Money for Autism Research
October 13, 2010 (New York, NY) – etnies, the first skateboarder-owned and run action sports footwear and apparel brand, and Autism Speaks, North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, are proud to announce their new partnership. The organizations will team up and create co-branded kid’s RVM and Fader shoes, which will be available in stores for spring 2011, in an effort to increase awareness and raise funds for autism research.
etnies has always given back to the community, and friends recently opened the brand’s eyes to the increase of people on the autism spectrum. Autism prevalence has risen 600 percent in the last two decades. Today, one in every 110 American children has an autism spectrum disorder.
“We are impressed by the great strides in funding autism research, developing resources and treatments Autism Speaks has made in its first five years,” said Don Brown, senior VP of marketing for etnies. “etnies is proud to support Autism Speaks, and looks forward to showing kids on the autism spectrum the action sports etnies is all about. With these shoes, we’re helping Autism Speaks take its next step towards finding the answers of autism.”
A portion of the proceeds of the etnies x Autism Speaks Fader and RVM kid’s shoes sold, with a minimum of $10,000 per year, will be donated to Autism Speaks.
“We are thrilled that etnies has decided to support Autism Speaks to increase autism awareness,” said Suzanne Wright, Co-founder of Autism Speaks.”The support of etnies will help Autism Speaks continue to fund research aimed at unraveling the mysteries of autism and helping those families who are affected by this complicated and often misunderstood disorder.”
About Autism:
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis for which the cause and cure remain unknown.
About etnies:
Established in 1986, etnies is the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. etnies not only pushed the envelope by creating the first pro model skate shoe, but it pioneered technological advances and changed the face of skateboard footwear forever. Today, etnies’ vision, led by owner and skateboarder Pierre-André Senizergues, is to remain the leading action sports company committed to creating innovative products that provide the most style, comfort and protection possible. etnies stays true to its roots by sponsoring world class skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, moto x, BMX and auto teams and continues its dedication by giving back to each of these communities. For additional information, visit etnies.com.
Autism Speaks:
Autism Speaks is North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $142.5 million to research through 2014 and developing innovative new resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $249 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and a community grant program. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
Autism Speaks was founded by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners, Chairman and CEO of the Palm Beach Civic Association and served as Vice Chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years.
