Terrell Owens Scores Again for Alzheimer's Association; Sharpie(r), BEVsystems Pledge Donations for Owens TDs, Catches

9/10/2003

From: Alzheimer's Association Media Relations, 312-335-4078, e-mail: media@alz.org

CHICAGO, Sept. 10 -- Terrell Owens, all-pro wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, is setting his sights on making as many catches and touchdowns this season as possible for his teammates, his fans and also for the millions of American families like his who are living with Alzheimer's disease.

For every touchdown and catch Owens makes this season, Sharpie(r) and BEVsystems International, Inc., will donate funds to the Alzheimer's Association to raise awareness of the devastating impact of Alzheimer's disease.

Sharpie, the popular brand of permanent markers, pledges $500 for every touchdown Owens scores. BEVsystems International, Inc., on behalf of its Life02 Super Oxygenated bottled water, pledges $81 for every catch Owens' makes (Owens' jersey number with the 49ers is No. 81). Owens endorses Life 02 Super Oxygenated bottled water.

For Owens, the cause is personal - his maternal grandmother lives with the disease and his family copes with it on a daily basis. "It's tough on families," Owens said. "I've seen it first hand, and that's why I'm proud to support the Alzheimer's Association." He developed the idea for donations to be made each time he scores a touchdown or makes a catch as a way to further raise public awareness of Alzheimer's disease and to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

"We are thrilled Terrell Owens, Sharpie and BEVsystems are on our team to defeat Alzheimer's disease," said Sheldon Goldberg, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "Terrell is among millions of Americans who understand the devastating impact of this disease, and we appreciate his generous support and commitment to helping us raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease, how the Alzheimer's Association can help, and how to support our mission - creating a world without Alzheimer's."

"I am happy that Sharpie and BEVsystems see the importance of supporting this cause that is so close to me," said Owens. "This will make scoring touchdowns and making catches even more satisfying since the resulting donations will help people just like my grandmother."

Owens has become a vocal advocate for raising public awareness about the disease and the affect it has on individuals and families. To reach out to other people who are going through the same things his family is experiencing, Owens has participated in several activities on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association, including:

-- Testifying before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee in April as part of the Alzheimer's Association's annual Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. He called on Congress to support the Alzheimer's Association's "Billion Dollar a Year" campaign for increased federal funding for Alzheimer research, currently at about $650 million per year, in large part due to Association advocacy.

-- Serving as Celebrity Team Chair for the 2002 and 2003 Memory Walks in northern California and northern Nevada. Memory Walk is the Alzheimer's Association's national fundraiser taking place in more than 500 communities nationwide. Memory Walks have raised more than $120 million since 1989.

-- Further supporting Memory Walk activities by appearing in television and billboard public service announcements and by donating signed footballs and jerseys for Memory Walk prizes.

-- Designating a $25,000 contribution from Sharpie to the Alzheimer's Association in 2002.

-- Talking about his family experience with Alzheimer's disease for articles in Alzheimer's Association publications.

The Alzheimer's Association warns that Alzheimer's disease is now an American epidemic with 4.5 million Americans having the disease and millions more in its path unless research finds the answers to its cause, prevention, treatment, and cure.

"In less than 10 years, the first baby boomers start turning 65 and enter the age of greatest risk for the disease," Goldberg said. "For most of them, the process that will destroy their memories, their lives, and their savings has already begun. There likely will be a 300 percent increase in Alzheimer's cases by mid-century. That's as many as 16 million of today's 35 million baby boomers likely to develop Alzheimer's if no cure or prevention is found. The impact on families and the U. S. health care system will be catastrophic. Our only recourse is a major investment in Alzheimer research."

About Sharpie and Sanford

The Sharpie(r) marker, invented in 1964, is the popular family of permanent markers. Sanford, maker of Sharpie permanent markers, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. The Company is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, including such well known brands as Paper Mate(r), Colorific(r), Parker(r), Waterman(r), EXPO(r) and uni-ball(r), among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products and fine writing instruments. Headquartered in Bellwood, Ill., the Company has approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.sanfordcorp.com or call 800-323-0749.

About BEVsystems International, Inc., and Life02

BEVsystems International, Inc., based in Miami, owns the internationally distributed oxygen-enhanced bottled water brand, Life 02, and the proprietary Life 02 SuperOxygenation process that infuses its Life 02 brand and global co-branded products with up to 15 times more oxygen than ordinary bottled water. Life 02 and other co-branded products that utilize the Life 02 SuperOxygenated process are available in 31 countries worldwide. BEVsystems also is supporting the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk sponsored by the Northern California and Northern Nevada chapter (October 11 on Treasure Island) by underwriting a billboard placement, providing hundreds of cases of Life02 bottled water to walkers, and making a per unit donation for every Life 02 bottle sold this fall in the Bay Area and in other U.S. locations. For more information, visit http://www.bevsystems.com or call 786-425-0811.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the world leader in Alzheimer research and support. Through a national network of advocates and chapters, the association advances research, improves services and care, creates awareness of Alzheimer's disease and mobilizes support. The association's vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information about the association, Alzheimer's disease and how you can help, visit http://www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.