(New York, NY – June 12, 2011) – Brooks Brothers is proud to announce its sponsorship for the fourth consecutive year with the PGA TOUR’s FedEx St. Jude Classic tournament as the official apparel sponsor for “Seersucker Sunday” to be held in Memphis on June 12.
As a sponsor, Brooks Brothers, which was the first to bring the fabric of seersucker to America during the 1830’s, has tailored the Official Champion’s Jacket from the distinct fabric, making the FedEx St. Jude Classic the only PGA TOUR event with a seersucker champion’s jacket. Tailored by the 193-year-old clothier, the customized jacket features special embroidery in the lining with the champion’s name.
“We are honored to join the PGA TOUR and FedEx in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and continue to bring the tradition and heritage of the Brooks Brothers brand to this historic tournament,” said Brooks Brothers Chairman and CEO, Claudio Del Vecchio.
In celebration of Seersucker Sunday, Brooks Brothers also provided blue and white seersucker shorts to more than 2,000 tournament volunteers and staff. Spectators are also encouraged to wear seersucker to show their support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the sole benefiting charity of the tournament since 1970.
The announcement marks Brooks Brothers’ continued sponsorship in the golf arena. Scott Verplank, who is playing in the tournament serves as the company’s official brand ambassador. Since 2005, Brooks Brothers has donated more than $4.3 million to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.
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ABOUT BROOKS BROTHERS
As America’s oldest retailer, Brooks Brothers has long been a fashion innovator. Established in 1818, Brooks Brothers was the first to offer ready-to-wear clothing and has continued throughout history with iconic product introductions including: the first ready-made suits, the original button-down collar, seersucker, madras, and the non-iron shirt. Nearly two centuries later, Brooks Brothers is proud to uphold the same traditions and values and to be the destination for ladies and gentlemen from every generation. Since its founding 193 years ago in New York, Brooks Brothers has become a legendary international retailer while maintaining a steadfast commitment to exceptional service, quality, style and value. www.broooksbrothers.com
ABOUT FEDEX ST. JUDE CLASSIC
The tournament now known as the FedEx St. Jude Classic was founded in 1958 as the Memphis Open. The world-class event has raised over $24 million dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since it became the sole charity in 1970. FedEx became title sponsor in 1986 and donations to the hospital skyrocketed. FedEx completed twenty-one years as title sponsor in 2006 and became the umbrella sponsor of the FedExCup in 2007. In 2010, Smith & Nephew was the presenting sponsor, with FedEx returning as title sponsor in 2011. The tournament is produced by Youth Programs, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.
ABOUT ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, go to www.stjude.org and follow St. Jude on www.facebook.com/stjude and www.twitter.com/stjude.
