ATLANTA, May 13, 2010 - The Atlanta Dream and Aaron�s have announced a partnership for the 2010 season which will extend the team�s reach in the community by providing tickets to metro Atlanta youth to attend Atlanta Dream games, and establishing a new community initiative with Children�s Healthcare of Atlanta.
�We could not be happier to have a quality company like Aaron�s as a major partner of the Atlanta Dream,� said Dream Owner Kathy Betty. �Aaron�s is known for their loyal support of Atlanta sports and entertainment and immediately stepped up to support the Dream when I purchased the team. We share a commitment to making a difference in our community which is illustrated by the Aaron�s Lucky Dog ticket voucher offer.�
Aaron�s will provide tickets to an Atlanta Dream home game to youth ages 12 and under who visit an area Aaron�s location. These Aaron�s Lucky Dog vouchers are redeemable on game day at the Philips Arena box office for one free ticket.
"Aaron's is excited that Kathy Betty is the new owner of the Atlanta Dream and proud to support this special program for all youngsters as well as the special youngsters at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta," said Mark Rudnick, Aaron�s Vice President of Marketing. "It is important for every young girl and boy in Atlanta to see women as top athletes and we are giving them that chance to come to a game free. Also, the program with Children's Healthcare is our way of bringing the Dream players closer to the community in a very personal way."
Through the partnership with Aaron�s, the Dream will team up with Children�s Healthcare of Atlanta for a season-long �Armed with a Dream� initiative which will honor patients currently undergoing treatment. At each regular season home game, Atlanta Dream players will honor a current patient at Children�s Healthcare of Atlanta by displaying the child�s name on their arm.
�Our players are very community oriented and the opportunity for the team to show their support for these amazing kids in such a personal way is very humbling,� said Dream President & COO Toby Wyman. �While our players compete on the court, we understand that these kids are competing every day to get better and we feel it�s important to recognize them.�
Jordan Kozloski, age 9 of Warner Robbins, will be the first patient honored through �Armed with a Dream.� Jordan underwent an amputation in 2003 after being injured in a lawn mower accident. She is a gifted multi-sport athlete, most recently winning the state championship in wheelchair handball and finishing as runner-up in both wheelchair basketball and football.
�Jordan�s spirit shines its brightest when she is able to compete,� said Brian Giavedoni, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Children�s Healthcare of Atlanta. �She will no doubt be glowing with excitement when she meets the Atlanta Dream players.�
The Atlanta Dream tips off its third season with Opening Night presented by Aaron�s slated for Sunday, May 16. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. against the Indiana Fever. Season tickets, group tickets and mini- plans are available for purchase by calling 1-877-977-7729 or visiting www.AtlantaDream.net. Single game tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or all Ticketmaster outlets, the Philips Arena box office, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Aaron�s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation�s leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,700 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron�s has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.aaronsinc.com.