To celebrate its 20th year as a sponsor of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 2009, New Balance is introducing a pink special edition New Balance 993 running shoe and plans an expected $1 million donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
“We are extremely proud of our 20-year relationship with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and are committed to finding a cure for breast cancer,” says Chris Mann, associate integrated marketing manager for New Balance. “We believe we can reach a large number of consumers and make a significant contribution to breast cancer education and research by promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles as a way to reduce the risk of breast cancer.”
In 2009, New Balance will donate up to $1 million (with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure from the proceeds of the Lace Up for the Cure Collection. The special edition 993, an all pink suede shoe, features the Komen for the Cure pink ribbon, an insert adorned with an anniversary logo denoting the twenty-year partnership and a hangtag that details New Balance's commitment to Komen for the Cure. All special edition 993s will be manufactured in the U.S. and distributed in a new pink and black anniversary box with matching tissue paper, all featuring the Komen pink ribbon. The box's inside cover explains additional information about New Balance's relationship with Komen. The special edition 993 will debut in August 2009 with a suggested retail price of $140.00.
In July, a limited number of customizable anniversary 993s will be available for purchase. Consumers can personalize the tongue of the shoes with the name of a survivor or loved one and one of the following phrases: “In Honor of”, “Running for”, or “Lace Up!”
The 2009 New Balance Lace Up for the Cure(R) footwear, apparel and
accessories collection, which is available at retail year-round,
includes 4 models of women's athletic shoes from the running, walking
and active lifestyle categories. Each shoe features the Susan G. Komen
for the Cure(R) pink ribbon logo and an insert with a repeating pattern
of the ribbon. All four shoes in the spring 2009 collection will be
available in April 2009.
New Balance has been associated with Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) since 1989, and has been a National Series Sponsor of the Race for the Cure(R) since 1991 – making New Balance the longest running sponsor of the race series.
