5.16.2007 - 05:30pm ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK, NY - May 16, 2007 - Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (NYSE: PVH) announced today its plan to launch a multi-media driven charitable campaign – a first of its kind in the company's history – in support of the non-profit organization, Save Ellis Island, whose mission is the rehabilitation, restoration and beneficial reuse of the thirty currently unrestored and unused buildings of Ellis Island, located primarily on its south side. In 2006, PVH, through its Arrow brand, donated $500,000 to the cause, directly assisting in the re-opening of the historic Ferry Building on Ellis Island.

The campaign sponsored by PVH will seek to generate awareness of and financial support for Save Ellis Island's effort among the estimated over one hundred million Americans who can trace their heritage in the U.S. through relatives who arrived at Ellis Island. Save Ellis Island is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and a partner of the National Park Service, the steward for America's special places, including its 390 national parks of which the Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island is one of the most widely recognized.

The campaign will feature famous and everyday Americans recounting their families' stories of inspiration and hope. Notable figures committed to the project include former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman and former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, Chairman of Save Ellis Island, who stated, "Ellis Island is an intrinsic element of the uniquely American immigrant spirit and preserving this landmark for future generations is something that we all need to rally around." Mr. Bradley added, "Supporting this campaign and raising the awareness and funds necessary will save the thread that binds so many Americans who can trace their family lineage through Ellis Island."

The campaign's first multi-media production – photographed by Richard Phibbs and directed by Ben Orisich – was shot on Ellis Island through simultaneous recording of print, film and video sessions. Actors Christian Slater, Richard Belzer, Carmine Giovinazzo, Federico Castelluccio, John Ventimiglia, Vincent Curatola, Steve Schirripa and Tony award winner John Lloyd Young joined over thirty Americans from across the country to form the inaugural cast of the campaign. Additional participants and productions are expected to be announced in the future.

A comprehensive multi-media agenda is planned for launch later this year including magazines, newspapers, television, radio, in-flight video and cinema screens nationwide. The message will be a call-to-action to join the campaign through a specially created website. Plans for the website include offering users the opportunity to post a story about their families’ Ellis Island experiences. These stories will be shared with the world and preserved for history in the site’s free, open content, community-built catalogue. Also, the Save Ellis Island effort will be featured prominently in the new advertising campaign for the Arrow brand.

"PVH, in the name of its Arrow brand, is honored to be a part of this remarkable endeavor and proud to help champion the cause of restoring this national treasure," stated Emanuel Chirico, Chief Executive Officer, who himself will be photographed with his father and share their family's story. Mr. Chirico added, "Creating an awareness campaign to preserve not only the famous Ellis Island buildings, but also the great American family stories connected to them, is a fantastic endeavor for PVH."

Both the Arrow brand and Ellis Island are true American icons. The Arrow brand, which was introduced in 1851 (41 years prior to the opening of Ellis Island), defines the American lifestyle. In a similar way, Ellis Island represents true national heritage, with over 40% of U.S. families, accounting for over 100 million Americans, beginning their American journey from this historic venue.

About Arrow and Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation

The Arrow brand, introduced in 1851, is one of America’s oldest and most trusted apparel brands. Arrow is a symbol of authentic American style in clothing for men, women and children. Arrow is a registered trademark of Cluett, Peabody & Co., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation. Arrow brand products are sold in over 80 countries worldwide. Visit arrowshirts.com.

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation is one of the world's largest apparel companies. It owns and markets the Calvin Klein brand worldwide. It is the world's largest shirt and neckwear company and markets a variety of goods under its own brands, Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, IZOD, Arrow, Bass and G.H. Bass & Co., and its licensed brands, including Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, unlisted, A Kenneth Cole Production, BCBG Max Azria, BCBG Attitude, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sean John, Chaps, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection, JOE Joseph Abboud, Tommy Hilfiger, and Perry Ellis Portfolio. Visit pvh.com.


About Save Ellis Island, Inc.

Save Ellis Island, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the National Park Service designated partner for fundraising and programming to rehabilitate and beneficially re-use the remaining thirty unrestored buildings on Ellis Island. Untouched since the island closed in 1954, the complex will come to life again in the coming years, completing Ellis Island’s story as a major gateway to America. Once the largest U.S. Public Health Service hospital in the country, constructed to treat ill and infirm immigrants, plans for the buildings call for the Ellis Island Institute and Conference Center, hosting public programs and conferences primarily focused on issues that affect us all – human migration and public health. In addition to convening conferences, the Institute will welcome visitors with exhibitions, interactive programming, festivals and performances that educate and engage audiences of all ages. For more information, visit www.saveellisisland.org or call 973-347-8400.

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