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OKI Data Americas Becomes a Passionate Partner of the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance Fund, Providing a Classic Pink Cadillac and Postcards for Prevention to Foundation’s Fundraiser
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., May 6, 2009
The employees of OKI Data Americas, a leading printer manufacturer, which markets its products under the OKI® Printing Solutions brand, is proud to launch the program’s third year by supporting the Shirley Mae Run and Gilda’s Club Walk on Saturday, May 9. On behalf of the Color Me OKI program, the “Twin Sister,” 1955 Pink Cadillac[1] will be on display for photo opportunities as a Tribute Artist performs at the event from 7:30am – 11:30am. Commemorative photos will be printed on OKI Printing Solutions’ digital color printers and provided to attendees free, in keepsake frames. The restored Cadillac symbolizes the process women must go through when rebuilding their mind, body and souls after battling breast cancer.
To kick off the third year of its philanthropic support, the Color Me OKI program will also be launching its postcards for prevention initiative. Breast cancer prevention postcards will be provided for free and attendees are encouraged to take the cards and mail them to loved ones as a reminder to schedule a mammogram appointment, as early detection is critical.
Established in August of 2000, the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance Fund began with a gift from Atlantic City businessman and philanthropist, Roy Goldberg, who created the fund after experiencing the determination and inspiration of his mother Shirley Mae Goldberg, a breast cancer survivor. The goal of the organization is to benefit patients in Southeastern New Jersey who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. “Many people who are battling this disease are overwhelmed with the medical, financial and psychological burdens that it can cause,” stated Denise Rounds, Race Chairman for The Shirley Mae Run. “The Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance Fund helps to alleviate these concerns by assisting with the cost of wigs, breast prosthesis and prescriptions.”
Every year, the event kicks off with an exclusive survivor breakfast and parade in celebration of local breast cancer survivors and includes a 5K Run, a two-mile Walk and a Kids’ One Mile Run. First, second and third place finishers will take home cash prizes ranging from $250-$750 with additional prizes awarded as well. Registration is still open and donations can be made at www.shirleymaefund.org.
“As a first year sponsor of the Shirley Mae Run and Gilda’s Club Walk, the employees and I are looking forward to supporting those in our region who are living with this disease.” said Stewart Krentzman, President and CEO of OKI Data Americas. “We hope that the attendees enjoy the Color Me OKI experience and take advantage of the breast cancer prevention postcards so we can help spread the word about the importance of early detection.”
Since 2007, the Color Me OKI philanthropic program has uniquely paired vintage vehicles with live entertainment to help support and celebrate the strong women, family and friends that are fighting breast and colorectal cancers. In 2009, the program was enhanced to include postcards for prevention, helping to spread the importance of early detection. The personal program stays true to the company’s passion for customer intimacy, which it does by engaging with customers on a one-on-one basis to understand their needs.
The 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 2009 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 the Color Me OKI Philanthropic Program
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 Fleetwood1 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 various breast cancer events, while taking photos of attendees and printing them on its digital color printers.
In 2008, The “Twin Sister” was joined by the 1950's Automotive Classic, the 1959 Pink Cadillac Series 62 Convertible1, which has also been restored to support the fight against breast cancer. The Color Me OKI philanthropic program also expanded to support colorectal cancer prevention and in 2009 the program acquired the surfer era icon, the classic 1949 Mercury Woody Wagon1, adding to the fleet of vehicles on the drive to survive.
Entering the third year of the philanthropic initiative, the Color Me OKI program created postcards for prevention to raise awareness of the importance of early breast and colorectal cancer detection. Utilizing all three vintage vehicles, commemorative photos and the new postcard initiative, the Color Me OKI program will continue to spread the message of hope and inspiration to those fighting both breast and colorectal cancers in 2009.
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OKI, Reg. OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd. ENERGY STAR Reg. T.M. U.S. EPA.
[1] This vehicle is owned and maintained by Stewart and Bonnie Krentzman
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.
