LIDS Foundation Launches National Campaign

August 31, 2012

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., August 31, 2012 – Specialty retailer LIDS Sports Group’s newly established charitable arm, the LIDS Foundation, is pleased to announce the launch of its signature nationwide grant campaign – the “Tip the Hat Award.” The LIDS Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization with a mission to support healthy and active youth programs, will host its inaugural contest to award one charity with a similar focus a $50,000 donation to support its cause. Two secondary awards of $10,000 will be given to the runner-up organizations.

“The LIDS Sports Group is a business with a sports mindset very much at the core of our entire operation. That said, the LIDS Foundation was founded on the passion of our employees to keep youth physically engaged in activities and to make healthy lifestyle choices, as well as their commitment to give back to the communities in which they live and work.” said LIDS Sports Group President Ken Kocher.

“The Tip the Hat Award gives legs to this commitment, and allows our diverse employee base across the country to explore the needs in their surrounding society and to in turn be an advocate for their charity of choice.”

All entries must be sponsored by a current LIDS Sports Group employee, of any level in the company. Qualifying submissions will be reviewed by the LIDS Foundation Board of Directors, who will narrow the selection to three semi-finalists. The top entry selections will be encouraged to rally supporters in February 2013 to cast a vote via a social media platform, the LIDS Facebook page, as the final decision will be in the hands of the public. The Tip the Hat Award grand prize winner will be announced March 2013.

For more information about the LIDS Foundation, to retrieve an application for the 2012 Tip the Hat Award or review the official entry rules, visit lidsfoundation.org. Applicants must be a recognized 5012(3)3 organization and specify how they intend to use the grant funds. This year’s deadline is November 30, 2012.

LIDS FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT
The LIDS Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, recognizes that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. With a mission to support young people in our communities, the Foundation works to engage them in sports-related activities. These activities promote active and healthy lifestyles as well as leadership and growth opportunities. The LIDS Foundation turns this belief into action primarily through offering resources, be it in the manner of time, expertise, funds, or materials, to non-profit organizations whose goals and values align with those of the LIDS Foundation.

ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

Source: Lids Sports Group