February
2010 -- Beginning in February 2010, with the launch of Hard Rock
International's Shakira Artist Spotlight T-Shirt and Bracelet, a "She Wolf"
won't be the only thing in every Shakira fan's closet. This limited-edition
merchandise will benefit Shakira's Fundacion Pies Descalzos, an organization
devoted to finding and providing opportunities for children who are victims of
violence in Colombia.
"I'm proud and excited to continue my partnership with Hard Rock
International through the Artist Spotlight program," said Shakira. "With the
launch of the Shakira Artist Spotlight T-Shirt, I hope to increase international
awareness and support for the Fundacion Pies Descalzos, an organization that is
extremely close to my heart."
In 1997, Shakira created Fundacion Pies Descalzos, which
promotes education and strives to provide help for some of the basic needs of
Colombian children. As a result of her efforts, Shakira was appointed UNICEF
Goodwill Ambassador -- the youngest world representative of this organization.
"We were thrilled by the outstanding response to Hard Rock's Shakira Signature
Series T-shirt, launched in 2007, and are excited to continue our relationship
with Shakira for her Artist Spotlight T-Shirt," said Hamish Dodds, President and
Chief Executive Officer, Hard Rock International. "We look forward to our
ongoing work with Shakira and her Fundacion Pies Descalzos, helping to improve
the quality of life for the children in Shakira's home country of Colombia."
Hard Rock's Shakira Artist Spotlight T-Shirt and Bracelet will be sold online,
as well as at select Hard Rock properties worldwide:
-- Shakira Artist Spotlight T-Shirt -- Designed by Shakira, this limited-edition
T-Shirt features two angels sitting on an amplifier with a pink guitar in
between them and set on the background of a large purple heart. The
city-specific design is set on a black T-Shirt and is available exclusively in
women's sizes (S-XL). 15% of the retail price will benefit Fundacion Pies
Descalzos. ($26)
-- Shakira Artist Spotlight Bracelet -- Inspired by Shakira, this
limited-edition bracelet features Chakira beads with custom clasps. All of the
proceeds from the Artist Spotlight bracelet will benefit Fundacion Pies
Descalzos. ($12)
Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety
of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. With the success of
Shakira's Signature Series T-shirt, Hard Rock has once again partnered with the
undisputed "Reina of International Pop" to create the brand's second Artist
Spotlight T-Shirt and Bracelet. As with the Signature Series program, the Artist
Spotlight program features the work of noted artists and performers and
contributes to global and humanitarian causes worldwide.
To learn more about Fundacion Pies Descalzos, please visit
http://www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com.
About Fundacion Pies Descalzos
Fundacion Pies Descalzos is a Colombian non-profit, non-governmental
organization, created in 1997 by Colombian artist Shakira, focusing on finding
opportunities of education and development for the most vulnerable and displaced
children affected by the Colombian internal conflict. Pies Descalzos has a
mission of developing a public education model with holistic protection
strategies that improve the quality of life of students and their families.
Currently, Pies Descalzos supports five schools and 17 communities in Quibdo in
the Pacific Coast, Altos de Cazuca in the outskirts of Bogota and Barranquilla
in the Caribbean, where more than 5,000 children receive education, balanced
food, uniforms, school kits, psychosocial support and over 35 thousand people
from the community benefit from vocational training, artistic and cultural
activities which allow them to achieve decent life standards, promoting
empowerment and the establishment of a culture of peace. Pies Descalzos, a model
of public education, is expanding to the poorest Latin communities in Los
Angeles through the non-profit organization Para Los Ninos. In addition, Shakira
has responded to the recent natural disaster in Haiti by offering to build a
Pies Descalzos Elementary School.
About Hard Rock International
With a total of 162 venues in 52 countries, including 130 cafes and 13
Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally
recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the
world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its
locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion
and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an
award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels
and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located
in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang
and Singapore. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Punta
Cana, scheduled to open in 2010; Panama, scheduled to open in 2012; and Atlanta,
Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013. Hard Rock International
is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For more information on
Hard Rock International, visit
http://www.hardrock.com.