NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 10, 2009) – Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today announced a partnership with Zale Corporation. From now through the end of the year, Zales will donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of their Shared Hearts Collection to Autism Speaks, for a minimum of $200,000. In May, Zales launched this collection in selected stores. This new commitment of support will expand to all stores and online.
“Autism Speaks is thrilled to be extending its partnership with Zales,” said Mark Roithmayr, Autism Speaks president. “Zales' exceptional national advertising campaign will not only raise awareness, but fund critical research into the causes, treatments and diagnosis for autism at a time when the prevalence numbers are increasing.”
As part of this promotion, Zales has created a special place on its website (http://storiesofhope.zales.com) for families to share their stories of hope and provide an online support forum. “Stories of Hope” is an easy way for families and individuals with autism to take comfort in other families who are coping with autism and at the same time to educate the community-at-large about the many talents and capabilities that individuals with autism possess.
“Stories of Hope” is powered by Austin, Texas-based Bazaarvoice's social commerce technologies. “When Neal Goldberg, our C.E.O., and I met with Mark earlier this year and he shared with us the dramatic statistics regarding the number of families who are directly and indirectly affected by autism, we knew immediately that we wanted to partner with Autism Speaks in helping to raise awareness,” said Theo Killion, president of Zale Corporation. “We are delighted that Bazaarvoice will join us in hosting this forum. This is an important way for family and friends dealing with autism to communicate their stories that will also benefit so many in their community.”
“We couldn't be more proud to donate Bazaarvoice services to the Zales and Autism Speaks ‘Stories of Hope' initiative,” said Brett Hurt, founder and CEO of Bazaarvoice. “We congratulate Zales on their work with Autism Speaks – Zales clearly understands how to connect its customers with their brand, and more importantly, connect around common values.”
About Autism
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks funds more than $30 million each year in new autism research, including support for the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, Autism Clinical Trials Network, Autism Tissue Program and a range of other scientific and medical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning, multi-year national public service advertising campaign with the Ad Council. Autism Speaks' family services efforts include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and the distribution of community grants to local service providers. Its government relations department, through its Autism Votes initiative, has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the federal government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to require insurers to cover medically-necessary autism therapies. Each year, Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism Speaksfundraising events are held in more than 80 cities across the country, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org. Become a fan on facebook: www.facebook.com/autismspeaks and Twitter: www.twitter.com/autismspeaks.
About Zale Corporation
Zale Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of diamonds and other jewelry products, operating approximately 1,900 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Zale Corporation's brands include Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Gordon's Jewelers, Peoples Jewellers, Mappins Jewellers and Piercing Pagoda. Additional information on Zale Corporation and its brands is available at www.zalecorp.com.
About Bazaarvoice
Bazaarvoice's Software as a Service (SaaS) social commerce solutions have served more than 85 billion pieces of customer-generated content on more than 650 brand web sites like Best Buy, Costco, Dell, Macy's, Overstock, P&G, Panasonic, QVC, and USAA in 36 countries. The company connects organizations to their influencers through a unique network that reaches hundreds of millions of consumers around the globe, enabling authentic customer-powered marketing. Through syndication, analytics, partnerships, and consulting, Bazaarvoice brings the voice of the customer to the center of their clients' business strategy, proving “social” can drive measured revenue growth and cost savings for manufacturing, retail, travel, and financial services companies. Headquartered in Austin, the company has offices in London, Paris, and Singapore. For more information and access to client success stories, visit www.bazaarvoice.com, read the blog at www.bazaarblog.com, and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bazaarvoice.
