Bank of America and Nike Donate $100,000 to Chicago Public Schools’ Hanson Stadium Refurbishment Efforts

Reuse-A-Shoe Drive Launches Today to Collect Worn-Out Shoes

Bank of America and Nike today announced a $100,000 joint commitment in support of youth running in Chicago, advancing the philanthropic heritage of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Those efforts will begin immediately with the refurbishment of the Chicago Public Schools’ Hanson Stadium which plays host to track & field and football events at both the elementary and high school levels.

The announcement was made at a press conference today with City of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.

“I want to thank Bank of America for its contributions and efforts not only on the marathon but also on many other initiatives that help improve the quality of life for residents of Chicago. Bank of America and Nike set an example for other organizations about the importance of the public and private sectors working together to benefit our city,” Mayor Richard M. Daley said.

In addition to the track refurbishment, the companies announced a Reuse-A-Shoe Drive, and are encouraging Chicagoans to drop off their used shoes to be recycled. The collected shoes will be transformed into Nike Grind, a material used in sports surfaces and playgrounds.

“Bank of America is thrilled to team-up with Nike to support youth running programs throughout the city and advance the positive impact the Marathon has on the community,” said Tim Maloney, Illinois State and Chicago Market President for Bank of America. “Chicago has been and will always be a training ground for some of the world’s greatest athletes and Olympians, and we are committed to helping provide our local student athletes with the resources and opportunities to develop their talents.”

The track refurbishment project will restore the eight-lane track at Hanson Stadium by summer 2010. The facility plays host to some of Chicago’s most prestigious events such as the city championship and Illinois High School Association sectionals.

“Leading the pack of marathon runners to our Reuse-A-Shoe program is a natural extension of our ongoing efforts to support Chicago’s running community,” said Reg Hamlett, general manager of Nike’s central territory. “By continuing that commitment through our partnership with this world-class event to improve a track, we are paving the way for the next generation of athletes.”

Starting today through Oct. 16, all Chicagoans, runners and visitors are invited to drop off their used athletic shoes at select Bank of America banking center locations and Nike retail stores, which accept shoes year-round, in the Chicago area.

Drop-off bins will also be on-site at the Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place on Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 and at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party at Grant Park’s Butler Field on race day, Sunday, Oct. 11.

Thirty-three local Bank of America banking centers in the downtown and surrounding areas will also collect shoes.

For a full list of banking centers, please visit chicagomarathon.com.

To find a map detailing the closest Nike Retail location and to learn more about Nike Reuse-A-Shoe, visit nikereuseashoe.com.

About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

In its 32nd year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 runners including a world class elite field and 1.5 million spectators.

As a result of its national and international draw, the iconic race assists in raising $10 million for a variety of charitable causes while generating an estimated $143 million economic impact to its host city.

To extend that impact, the 2009 race has invited all participants and fans to get involved through a first-ever online fundraising campaign going on now through Oct. 9.

By customizing a shoeprint at chicagomarathon.com/footprint, visitors select one of 22 charities to receive a dollar donation from Bank of America. The charity with the most submissions will also be granted an additional $10,000 donation in an announcement at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party on race day.

About Nike Reuse-A-Shoe

Nike Reuse-A-Shoe is an integral part of Nike Corporate Responsibility and is a unique recycling program that turns worn-out athletic shoes of all brands into Nike Grind, a material used in sports and playground surfaces.

Since its inception Reuse-A-Shoe has helped reduce millions of athletic shoes from ending up in landfills each year and has recycled more than 24 million pairs of shoes.

The recycled shoes are given new life, and are reborn into sports and playground surfaces around the world.

For more information on Nike Grind and Nike Reuse-A-Shoe, visit: nikegrind.com

Individuals wanting to take part in a collection set up by one of the organizations participating in the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program can find a list of drop off locations on the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe Web site: nikereuseashoe.com.