NIKE CELEBRATES THE CREATIVE ENERGY OF THE DOERNBECHER FREESTYLE PROGRAM
On Monday, the Doernbecher children’s hospital took to their twitter account to share some information with a select few, to expect a big surprise Wednesday, today. Well folks, the cats out the bag. Similar to a prior DB collection with the Doernbecher 5s, this one features a silhouette that is separate from the actual DB Freestyle Collection that is going to be unveiled.
Introducing the Nike SB Dunk High ‘What The Doernbecher’.
To celebrate the culmination of the 11th year of the Doernbecher Freestyle Program, Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Ore., will release 11 pairs of a special “What The Doernbecher” Nike Dunk High SB featuring design elements from all 13 of the program’s SB designs, and paying homage to the first SB Dunk that launched “What The” concept.
“The ‘What The’ concept is all about combining different pieces from iconic models for a new and unexpected creation,” said Michael Doherty, Senior Director of Global Brand Presentation for Nike and long-time board member with the Doernbecher Hospital Foundation. Alongside his son, Doherty came up with the idea for the Doernbecher Freestyle program. “To us, there was no better way to celebrate the13 unique SB designs over the first 11 years of the program than with a first-of-its-kind ‘What The Doernbecher.’”
Eleven pairs of the “What The Doernbecher” — one of each size 8-12,13 and14 — will be auctioned on eBay beginning June 11 for a 10-day period. Each pair will be encased in scrubs from Doernbecher staff and set in a one-of-kind box made from recycled skateboard decks. All proceeds from the sale of the “What The Doernbecher” pairs will benefit the hospital.
13 “graduates” of the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Program, by way of elements from their individually created shoes, are included in design of the “What The Doernbecher” Nike Dunk High SB:
Since 2004, Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon have empowered patients through design for 11 years with the annual Doernbecher Freestyle Collection, featuring one-of-a-kind apparel, footwear and equipment designs that reflect the inspirations and aspirations of six young patient-designers. The Doernbecher Freestyle Collection has collectively raised more than $11 million to date. Funds support various aspects of hospital practices including clinical programs and hospital construction to providing care for uninsured children.
Later this month, OHSU Doernbecher will announce the six patients selected to design this year’s 12th-annual collection. The 2015 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection will be revealed on October 23.
