BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TRUST FUND SPONSORS 'EYES ON DESIGN' FOR SECOND YEAR
BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE NORTH AMERICAN TIRE, LLC FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Media Center (877) 201-2373 BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TRUST FUND SPONSORS 'EYES ON DESIGN' FOR SECOND YEAR Nashville, Tenn. (May 13, 2003) - For the second year, the Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund will be a platinum-plus sponsor of Eyes on Design, the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology's (DIO) annual fundraising event. The 15th annual Eyes on Design, an international celebration of the very best in automotive design and art, will be held June 20-22, 2003 at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Mich. The event this year celebrates 75 years of corporate concept vehicle design, and culminates on Sunday, June 22 with the premiere Eyes on Design Automotive Exhibit, which includes a special exhibit of some 200 concept and prototype vehicles. "We are very pleased to take part once again in this very worthy charitable cause," said Michael Martini, vice president, North American Consumer Tire O.E. Sales, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC. "Eyes on Design is an amazing showcase of the very best in concept vehicles past and present. We are proud to be a part of that rich history, and also to support the DIO's effort to help and educate the visually impaired." The Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund was established in 1952 by The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, and contributes more than $4 million annually to charities across the country. It carries on a rich tradition of corporate philanthropy established by company founder Harvey Firestone, focusing its efforts in four main areas: education; health and welfare; civic and community; and culture and the arts. "This is our second year as a platinum-plus sponsor for Eyes on Design," said Christine Karbowiak, chairman of the Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund. "The DIO does wonderful work in helping the visually impaired in the Detroit area, and it is very rewarding to have the privilege of helping further that cause." The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 20th with "Eve of the Eyes," an informal event for the design community in the Design Dome of the GM Tech Center. It continues on Saturday, June 21st with "Vision Honored," a black tie dinner and art auction in the newly dedicated GM Vehicle Engineering Center. "Private Eyes Brunch" will take place from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, June 22nd at the GM Tech Center. Also on Sunday, the EOD Automotive Exhibit will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the GM Tech Center. For more information or tickets to any of these events, call the DIO at (313) 824-EYES (3937). Founded in 1972, the DIO lends the support and tools necessary to enhance independence for the blind and visually impaired. The Michigan-based, non-profit organization works to develop career opportunities in the allied health field, with the objective of supplying trained, caring ophthalmic technicians who, through research, will find answers to puzzling questions related to the eye and vision. Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC, is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures, and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America. # # # <<Eyes on Design.doc>>