Press Releases

IRWIN Tools Invites SkillsUSA Competitors and Guests to Build Playhouse for Kansas City Pre-School
Hands-on Construction Project at SkillsUSA to Benefit El Centro’s Academy for Children

KANSAS CITY, MO., JUNE 13, 2011 — IRWIN® Tools, a long-time sponsor of the SkillsUSA National Championship and Convention to be held in Kansas City, invites competitors and convention attendees to help construct a new playhouse during this year’s event. Upon its completion, the playhouse will be donated to El Centro’s Academy for Children (AFC) – a
dual-language transitional Pre-K program in inner-city Wyandotte County.

From June 21-23, volunteers will construct the entire custom-designed playhouse using IRWIN’s tools and building materials – from initial framing to the finishing paint  – in just three days. The worksite for the playhouse’s construction will be located in the event’s outdoor exhibit area at Bartle Hall during SkillsUSA.

“SkillsUSA is a perfect venue for recognizing the value of America’s present and future tradesmen,” said Curt Rahilly, VP of Marketing for IRWIN Tools. “And what better way to showcase these individuals’ talents than to come together in a purposeful project for children,” Rahilly stated.

The playhouse will be presented to El Centro’s Academy for Children at the conclusion of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference on June 24, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. El Centro’s Academy for Children is located at 1330 South 30th Street, Kansas City, KS 66106; and the Kansas City community is invited to take part in the playhouse dedication.

“Kansas City is so fortunate to have access to El Centro’s Academy for Children, which serves many children who are at-risk for learning difficulties. IRWIN Tools is extremely excited to be able to give the children a playhouse that will help them engage in imaginary play, an important developmental skill,” Rahilly emphasized.

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About IRWIN Tools:
IRWIN Tools manufactures and distributes a broad line of hand tools and power tool accessories including VISE-GRIP® pliers and wrenches, MARATHON® saw blades, QUICK-GRIP® clamping tools, SPEEDBOR® wood drilling bits, STRAIT-LINE® marking tools, UNIBIT® step drill bits, and HANSON® taps and dies. IRWIN Tools is a part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of brands. For more information, call 1-800-GO-IRWIN, or visit www.irwin.com. IRWIN invites the nation to celebrate National Tradesmen Day, on Friday, September 16, 2011.