Brooks Introduces Video, Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research

November 19, 2008 from press release (Bothell, WA) Brooks Sports, Inc. launched Dream, a short animated film that follows the imaginary path one woman takes as she envisions her ideal run. To celebrate the launch of the video, Brooks will donate five cents to breast cancer research for every view of the Dream video through December 21, 2008.

While the Dream video may spread virally on the Internet, qualifying views for charitable donation will be tallied on www.brooksrunning.com/dream and YouTube.com. The total donation, not to exceed $25,000, will be made to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in support of breast cancer research—a cause important to many runners.

“Dream is a quick, fun, and memorable Brooks film that embodies and amplifies the Run Happy® spirit, especially for women runners,” said Brooks Vice President of Marketing Dave Larson. “Our partnership with the Hutchinson Center also gives people an opportunity, with a simple click, to support a cause that’s near and dear to their hearts.”

Illustrated by emerging Northwest artist Trish Grantham, the 98-second Dream video is a fantasy of the perfect run, told from the perspective of a female runner, but touching on several universal truths that resonate with a much broader audience. Accompanying music and vocals by Anita Robinson—of bands Viva Voce and Blue Giant, as well as back-up singer to The Shins—bring the story to life with lyrics every runner can appreciate.

“We firmly believe that the more people know about breast cancer, the bigger impact we can make in the fight against the disease,” said Kit Herrod, Hutchinson Center director of external relations. “Brooks, with its unique Dream video, presents an entertaining and effortless way to spread the word—and smiles to boot.”

Supplementing the launch, Brooks will partner with leading running magazine Runner’s World in an effort to raise awareness about Dream and its donation to the Hutchinson Center. A two-page spread will appear in the January 2009 issue of the magazine, and a link to Dream will appear on the homepage at www.runnersworld.com. An additional ad will run in the January 2009 issue of Women’s Health. Both of the publications’ January issues will hit newsstands early December 2008.

Extending its support of breast cancer research and awareness beyond Dream, Brooks will unveil its Brooks For Her apparel collection in March 2009. The predominantly pink, high-performance collection includes a T, short, hat, tank, jacket, skort and capri, all adorned with the iconic pink ribbon. Brooks will donate 12.5% of the full wholesale price of each Brooks For Her item sold from March 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009, to three breast cancer-related charities. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Young Survival Coalition will each receive a portion of the total donation raised. Visit www.brooksrunning.com/bfh for more information.

About Brooks
Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories in more than 40 countries worldwide. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle. The company’s mission is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther, and faster. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information.