Brooks News

BROOKS BROTHERS FALL 2008 CAMPAIGN PAYS TRIBUTE TO NEW YORK CITY'S CENTRAL PARK. COMPANY TO SUPPORT & PROMOTE THE CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY IN NATIONAL ADVERTISING, CUSTOMIZED WEBPAGE AND INSTORE SHOPPING EVENT

Brooks Brothers is proud to announce a unique partnership with the Central Park Conservancy and its Adopt-A-Bench program. This fundraising effort is communicated as part of the company's fall 2008 national advertising campaign and reinforces the company's long-standing tradition of philanthropy.

"This campaign is a salute to New York and one of its most beloved destinations," stated Claudio Del Vecchio, Brooks Brothers Chairman & CEO. "We feel it is most fitting to lend our support to a setting so closely tied to our own heritage."

This is not the first collaboration between Brooks Brothers and Central Park. The relationship between the two dates back over 140 years when the company was commissioned to create uniforms for the Park's "Gatekeepers" - staff who helped visitors find their way and enforced Park rules.

"The Central Park Conservancy is proud to partner with another New York City icon," noted Douglas Blonsky, President of the Central Park Conservancy and Central Park Administrator. "We applaud Brooks Brothers for investing in the care of Central Park."

The elegant black & white campaign was photographed by Nathaniel Goldberg in various locations throughout Central Park including Cherry Hill and Wien Walk. Models Bridget Hall and Alex Lundqvist are prominently featured along with a cast representing several generations, a Brooks Brothers trademark. Central Park benches are of particular emphasis in each shot.

The Adopt-A-Bench program was founded in 1986 by Phyllis Cerf Wagner to create a permanent fund to maintain and endow the care of Central Park's 9,000 benches. From marriage proposals to family memories, Central Park's benches tell stories of love and life while leaving a great legacy within this urban jewel. The Adopt-A-Bench program is managed by the Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, a group of dedicated women who fundraise and enhance the Conservancy's programs in education, conservation, and horticulture.

Brooks Brothers will support the Central Park Conservancy and the Adopt-A-Bench program in several ways. The campaign is scheduled to run from September 2008 through January 2009. Ads appearing in both national and regional fashion and lifestyle publications will include the Conservancy logo and will direct readers to a customized web page: www.BrooksBrothers.com/parkbench.

The site will offer customers the opportunity to learn more about Central Park, the Central Park Conservancy, and how to support the Adopt-A-Bench program and other Park initiatives.

Brooks Brothers will also promote the partnership in the company's four Manhattan stores (346 Madison, Fifth Avenue, Liberty Plaza and Lincoln Center/Broadway) by hosting a special shopping day on October 7. Brooks Brothers will donate 5% of the day's net sales to the Central Park Conservancy. Store windows throughout the NY Metro area will feature the campaign images as well as information on the campaign. Lastly, Brooks Brothers has endowed Park benches near the sites where the campaign was photographed.

"Central Park is part of the legendary landscape of New York," stated Mr. Del Vecchio. "It is our obligation to ensure that it is preserved for generations to follow."


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