CARMEL, Ind. -- Danish shoemaker ECCO announces that it will donate more than $10,000 to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina as a result of special, on-site charity efforts at the 2005 Solheim Cup, held September 9-11 at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana.
As part of these efforts, all members of the U.S. and European teams signed a series of the specially-designed, limited-edition shoes ECCO produced for the competition. These shoes, inspired by the history of the Solheim Cup and incorporating elements of the flags from the European Union and United States, were then sold to spectators in the merchandise area. Half of the money raised will go to the American Red Cross and half to Habitat for Humanity.
“We’re thrilled that the combined efforts of ECCO, the public and the world’s best female golfers can help alleviate the hardship this natural disaster has caused,” says Jeff Street, Golf Division General Manager, ECCO USA. “We were on site thinking about ways we could help, and the players from both teams rallied big time to get together and sign the shoes.”
The limited-edition shoes were worn throughout the competition by members of both teams, including the world’s No. 1 ranked female player, ECCO staff players Juli Inkster and Iben Tinning and most of the European team. Non-autographed versions of the shoes were also available for general retail sale at the merchandise area and at www.eccousa.com. Based on ECCO’s ultra-comfortable and fashionable sport outsole, the shoes retail for $140.
As the official footwear sponsor of the European team, ECCO’s limited edition shoes were worn by all Junior Solheim Cup competitors and all Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour event staff. The shoes and charity initiative were also showcased during live television coverage on The Golf Channel and by other national media.
About ECCO
ECCO Sko A/S is an international group founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy in Denmark. Today, ECCO is a global player in the dress and casual footwear industry, with direct subsidiaries in Europe, the Far East and North America, and partners worldwide. ECCO has 9,000 employees worldwide. ECCO USA, Inc. is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. For more information: www.eccousa.com, (800) 886-3226.
Contact:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.761.1444
twilliams@billycaspergolf.com
