Philadelphia, PA, September 20, 2005—
The Philadelphia Eagles announced today that they will partner with Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ:RCII) to refurbish the recreation room at the Germantown Boys & Girls Club to kick off their “Eagles RAC Room” program - one of three in the Philadelphia area. Darwin Walker, Bill Manning, Ted DeMarino, and Lisa Dunlop will unveil the newly remodeled “RAC Room” during a 4:00 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 20th, at the Boys & Girls Club, 25 West Penn Street.
"We are proud to be partnering with Rent-A-Center on such a unique community program. It is so satisfying when a partner leverages their relationship with the Team not only to reach new customers but to positively impact the community,” said Bill Manning. “We look forward to unveiling all three of these rooms in the Philadelphia area in an effort to provide a more comfortable atmosphere for these young Eagles fans to celebrate their favorite team."
In addition, Darwin Walker will be present to 'cut the ribbon' on this first of three rooms. Walker will also address the media briefly and answer questions about his own personal and positive experience with Boys & Girls Clubs. As a fun and fitting finale, Walker will take on several kids in a football video game challenge, with Eagles merchandise available as prizes.
The RAC Room at the Germantown Boys & Girls Club is used daily by more than 400 children, before and after school, giving them a fun and safe place to gather. The Eagles-themed refurbishment will include new sofas, a big-screen television, stereo, video game consoles, computers, carpeting and more - all furnished by Rent-A-Center - in addition to Eagles memorabilia and Eagles-themed games.
Also participating in the September 20th ceremony will be Rent-A-Center Senior VP Ted DeMarino, Boys & Girls Club representatives and members from the Boys & Girls Club. Following the ribbon cutting, the children will have the opportunity to enjoy the amenities of the remodeled room. Additionally, DeMarino will present Eagles game tickets to Ms. Dunlop so that the members of the Boys & Girls Club can enjoy watching their favorite team live at Lincoln Financial Field.
"Rent-A-Center is pleased to be working with the Philadelphia Eagles on our RAC Room sponsorship at three Philadelphia-area Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Mark Speese, Chairman and CEO of Rent-A-Center. “In all, we will furnish a total of 33 RAC Rooms to Boys & Girls Clubs in the U.S. that will enable children to enjoy their surroundings during free time from school."
Rent-A-Center, headquartered in Plano, TX, (www.rentacenter.com) is the leader in the rent-to-own industry. The company was founded in 1986 and employs more than 17,000 people in 2,800 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. There are 80 Rent-A-Center locations in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.
