MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) May 20, 2008 -- When OKI Data Americas, one of the leading printer manufacturers in the U.S., first decided to launch their philanthropic program, Color Me OKI, it considered many options ranging from the traditional to the unexpected. At the heart of the decision was to support causes that impact its employees and community, and to do it in a way that reflects the passion of the company. The result was a unique program that paired a classic pink Cadillac with timeless music to help those fighting breast cancer celebrate life and make memories at fundraising events along the east coast. This year, the company is expanding the program and using a fleet of vehicles, adding another classic pink Cadillac in addition to a neoclassic Corsair to take the program national, increase its breast cancer support, and extend its support to colorectal cancer – one of the most preventable cancers.

“We witnessed some of the most inspiring displays of strength, spirit and resolution at breast cancer events last year while meeting the thousands of people who are fighting this disease. The level of emotion and enthusiasm at these events is overwhelming and we are honored to be able to provide people with an opportunity to celebrate life and restoration as part of our program,” said OKI Data Americas’ President and CEO Stewart Krentzman. “This year we look forward to expanding the program to support the colorectal cancer cause and drive awareness of early breast and colorectal cancer screenings, which are critical to preventing these diseases all together.”

The Color Me OKI (www.colormeoki.com) philanthropic program launched in April of 2007 utilizing as its backbone a 53 year-old Cadillac Fleetwood that was personally restored by the company’s CEO, Stewart Krentzman, and his wife Bonnie, to become the “Twin Sister,” an exact replica of the 1955 Pink Cadillac that Elvis gave to his mother. The company paired the “Twin Sister” with a Tribute Artist and took it to 21 events, taking photos of attendees and printing them out on its digital color printers. In 2008, the “Twin Sister” is joined by the 1950's Automotive Classic, 1959 Pink Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, which is being restored to support the breast cancer cause. Both restored classic Pink Cadillacs represent the rebuilding process women must go through when restoring their mind, body and souls after battling breast cancer; celebrating their strength and courage throughout the fight.

In addition to supporting the fight against breast cancer, the 2008 Color Me OKI philanthropic program has broadened to help raise awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer prevention. The program will be providing the one-of-a-kind 1992 “Spirit of America” neoclassic Corsair to colorectal cancer events in order to build awareness for such a highly preventable disease. The “Spirit of America” was hand-assembled from the best vehicle parts from leading American automotive companies, exemplifying the greatness that can be achieved when working together to reach a goal.

The Color Me OKI philanthropic program uniquely pairs these three vintage cars, which are owned and maintained by Stewart and Bonnie Krentzman, with live entertainment to help support and celebrate the lives of those who were taken and raise awareness of two diseases that have become all too familiar within family, friends and the community. The personal program stays true to the company’s passion for customer intimacy, which it does by engaging with customers on a one-on-one basis to understand their needs. OKI Data Americas (www.okidata.com) goes beyond traditional service to develop long term partnerships with each customer and make them feel like customers again.

“When launching the Color Me OKI philanthropic program in 2007, we were determined to help celebrate the lives of those touched by breast cancer at each event,” said Krentzman. “We pride ourselves on the level of commitment we offer our customers and it’s our hope that our commitment to supporting both breast and colorectal cancers in 2008 will help make a difference for those battling the diseases.”

The program supports the corporate philanthropic mission of Oki Electric Industry Company, Ltd., the Tokyo, Japan-based parent company of OKI Data Corporation, which is to undertake social contribution activities that help realize the genuine enrichment of society, and contribute to the quality of life for people around the world.

Please stop by and visit us at one of the upcoming events listed in the current Color Me OKI schedule below. For more information on the 2008 Color Me OKI program and OKI Data Americas' partnership in passion on the drive to survive breast and colorectal cancers, please visit:

www.ColorMeOKI.com

About OKI Data Americas, Inc.

OKI Data Americas Inc., headquartered in Mount Laurel, N.J., and a subsidiary of OKI Data Corporation of Japan, markets PC peripheral equipment and customized document management solutions under the OKI Printing Solutions brand, including digital color and monochrome printers, color and monochrome multifunction products and serial impact dot matrix printers, as well as a full line of options, accessories and consumables. OKI Data Americas takes a consultative approach to supporting every customer’s needs and delivering individualized print solutions that optimize business performance. The company’s innovative technology is backed by its parent company Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., a world leader in information processing systems, telecommunications and electronics and a $6.1 billion multinational corporation with headquarters in Tokyo. Keeping its customers needs top of mind, OKI Data Americas is ISO 9001:2000 certified and most products have earned the ENERGY STAR^® certification.

OKI, Reg. OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd. ENERGY STAR Reg. T.M. U.S. EPA.

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