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Color Me OKI Philanthropic Program Helps Raise $11,000 for National Breast Cancer Foundation Through “Memories of Elvis” Concert
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., September 18, 2008
On August 16, 2008 OKI Printing Solutions in partnership with Diamond Entertainment, presented the Memories of Elvis concert to a sold-out audience at the Irving Arts Center in Irving, Texas. The Elvis tribute show featured award-winning performer Tim McCracken Jr., with special guest Joe Esposito, long time friend and road manager to Elvis Presley. The “Twin Sister,” which is the exact replica of the 1955 Pink Cadillac that Elvis gave to his mother, was also displayed on stage during the show on behalf of the Color Me OKI philanthropic program. Based on proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise sold at the event, the Color Me OKI program in partnership with Diamond Entertainment will donate $11,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
“The employees and I are extremely pleased about the generous donation that the Memories of Elvis event generated for the National Breast Cancer Foundation,” said Stewart Krentzman, President and CEO of OKI Data Americas. “The event was orchestrated on behalf of the company’s Color Me OKI program (www.colormeoki.com), which was built from our dedication and commitment to our customers and partners as well as the causes that affect our communities."
The Elvis tribute show spanned the entire 23-year musical career of Elvis Presley and offered a special prelude from Joe Esposito, in which ticket holders saw rare Elvis footage few have ever viewed. Tim McCracken drew a standing ovation for his vocals as Mr. Esposito entertained the audience with heartfelt stories. Joe Esposito, Elvis Presley’s right hand person for 17 years and the author of multiple books regarding Elvis’ life, shared an insider’s view on Elvis and his spirit of giving. Having managed all aspects of Elvis’ life from his army days until his death, Esposito brought a unique perspective on this American icon’s life and vision with photos and home videos from his private collection.
The Color Me OKI philanthropic program was launched in April of 2007 after the employees of OKI Data Americas voted to adopt breast cancer as the company’s leading philanthropic cause. The backbone of the program is the “Twin Sister,” a 1955 Pink Cadillac Fleetwood that was personally restored by the company’s CEO, Stewart Krentzman and his wife Bonnie. OKI Data Americas decided to pair the vintage vehicle with a Tribute Artist and took the program on the road supporting 21 breast cancer events, while taking photos of attendees and printing them on its digital color printers.
This year, the “Twin Sister” is joined by the 1950's Automotive Classic, the 1959 Pink Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, which has also been restored to support the fight against breast cancer. In 2008 the Color Me OKI philanthropic program is also supporting colorectal cancer prevention. The program is taking the one-of-a-kind 1992 “Spirit of America” neoclassic Corsair to colorectal cancer events in order to raise awareness of such a highly preventable disease. The Color Me OKI philanthropic program, using all three cars, which are owned and maintained by Stewart and Bonnie Krentzman, will continue to spread the message of hope and inspiration to those fighting both breast and colorectal cancers in 2008. The Color Me OKI program supports the corporate philanthropic mission of Oki Electric Industry Company, Ltd., the Tokyo, Japan-based parent company of OKI Data Corporation, which is to undertake social contribution activities that help realize the genuine enrichment of society, and contribute to the quality of life for people around the world.
For more information on the 2008 Color Me OKI program and OKI Data Americas' partnership in passion on the drive to survive breast and colorectal cancers, please visit: www.colormeoki.com.
About Joe Esposito
Joe Esposito is universally recognized as the most credible source on Elvis Presley’s life and career. Esposito met Presley while serving in the Army in 1959. The two became fast friends and soon after Esposito became Presley’s road manager. As the publisher of the bestselling book, “Remember Elvis”, along with five other published works that chronicle Presley’s career, Esposito is an inextricable link to the memory of Elvis. Whether recognized as an incredible public speaker, author, road manager or loyal friend, Joe Esposito is still in high demand for his talents and one-of-a-kind accounts of a man the nation has always referred to as “The King”. Esposito also managed shows for legendary greats such as Michael Jackson, The Bee Gees, The Carpenters and John Denver. Currently he resides in Las Vegas with his wife Martha and son Anthony, working as a casino host at the Wynn Resort.
About Oki Data Americas, Inc.:
OKI Printing Solutions products are backed by comprehensive support from authorized OKI Printing Solutions Solution Providers and Dealers. In addition, the company provides live, toll-free technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with agents based in North America.
OKI Printing Solutions is dedicated to being environmentally-conscious and supporting our customers' increasing focus on the environment. In support of those efforts, we offer customized printing solutions and multifunctional products that help our customers reduce their impact on the environment and increase operational efficiency.
OKI Data Americas Inc., headquartered in Mount Laurel, N.J., and a subsidiary of OKI Data Corporation of Japan, markets PC peripheral equipment and customized document management solutions under the OKI Printing Solutions brand, including digital color and monochrome printers, serial impact dot matrix printers and thermal label printers, as well as a full line of options, accessories and consumables. OKI Data Americas takes a consultative approach to supporting every customer’s needs and delivering individualized print solutions that optimize business performance. The company’s innovative technology is backed by Tokyo-based parent company Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., a world leader in information processing systems, telecommunications and electronics; and an approximately $5.7 billion multinational corporation according to its FY 2008 financial reporting. Keeping its customers’ needs top of mind, OKI Data Americas is ISO 9001:2000 certified and offers a selection of ENERGY STAR® certified products. As an extension of the company’s dedication to its customers, OKI Data Americas created the Color Me OKI philanthropic program to support the fight to eradicate breast and colorectal cancers. The program celebrates those touched by both causes with vintage vehicles and musical entertainment at fundraising events nationwide. For more information, please visit www.colormeoki.com.
