George
Strait, Justin
Boots® Help Raise over $5.5 Million
for Professional Cowboys
Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund Helps America's Original
Extreme Sport's Injured Competitors
FORT WORTH, TX (May 19, 2008) - Justin
Boots® - the leader in
western footwear and the Official Boots of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association ® (PRCA) - announced today that the Justin Cowboy Crisis
Fund (JCCF) hit the $5.5 million mark in money raised for professional rodeo
athletes since the charity's inception in 1989.
While private
donations make up the bulk of money raised for the JCCF, a portion of funds are
generated from the George Strait Collection
- a line of stylish, high-quality, western footwear from Justin Boots - as
a percentage of every boot sale goes straight to the cause. George Strait
Collection boot sales brought in a recorded $20,000 for the JCCF in 2007 alone.
"The Justin
Cowboy Crisis Fund originated with the idea of supporting and giving back to
those who dedicate themselves to a very unique lifestyle," said Tom Feller, director of event marketing
for Justin Brands and PRCA Board of Directors member. "Over the years, we've
been fortunate that great folks like George
Strait support our effort
to help stabilize the economic environment of these athletes and their families
during their recovery period."
An authentic
representation of the style of the West and contributor to the JCCF's latest
success, George Strait is also currently enjoying continued
success of his own. The King of Country Music's latest album to hit the
shelves, "Troubadour," debuted at No.1 on the
Billboard 200 and the Top Country Album charts just last month. The
star's latest single "I Saw God Today" is Strait's 56th No.1 single.
"Rodeo cowboys are some of
the best athletes in the world," said George Strait.
"I've spent a lot of years being a small part of the rodeo world and it's a
privilege to be able to help raise money and awareness for the Justin Cowboy
Crisis Fund."
Rodeo athletes - more than
in any other professional sport - compete for a pure love of the sport. With
every ride, rodeo cowboys and cowgirls face the possibility of serious injury;
and with this risk comes the potential for lost financial income or stability
for many athletes and their families. In a valued extension of the brand's
esteemed commitment to the welfare of the professional
rodeo athlete, Justin Boots partnered with the PRCA and the Women's
Professional Rodeo Association to form the JCCF.
Additionally,
the JCCF is excited to announce a total donation - from private donations and
boot sales - of more than $108,000 in the 1st Quarter of 2008 alone,
ensuring that the JCCF is well on its way to another successful charitable year
in the name of the sport of professional rodeo and the safety of its athletes.
About the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund
Unique among
today's numerous charitable organizations, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund (JCCF)
stands above the rest by dedicating 100 percent of all contributions received
for disbursement to eligible applicants. This uncommon practice for a
charitable organization is made possible by the joint commitment of Justin
Brands, Inc., and the PRCA, which underwrite all administrative costs associated
with managing the JCCF, leaving all monies received through contributions (and
as investment earnings) to serve their intended purpose. For more on the JCCF,
visit www.prorodeo.com.
About Justin Boots®
Justin Brands, Inc., a recognized leader in Western footwear, is
a
Berkshire-Hathaway corporation
(NYSE: BRKa) and its divisions include Justin Boot Company, Tony Lama Company,
Nocona Boot Company, Chippewa Shoe Company and Justin Original Workboots.
For
more information and to view the George Strait Collection, visit
www.justinboots.com.
###
Contact:
Kathy Best
FrontPagePublicity
615-383-0412
kathy@frontpagepublicity.com
Jenny Dubberly
Justin Boots
919-832-6300
jdubberly@fwv-us.com
