FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Oakley today announced its partnership with Augie's Quest, the Muscular Dystrophy Association's ALS research initiative, to develop two special edition Augie's Quest HIJINX(TM) sunglasses benefiting the organization's aggressive, cure-driven efforts to find treatments and cures for ALS.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081020/LAM037)

ALS destroys the nerve cells controlling muscles, ultimately causing complete paralysis while leaving mental function intact. Survival is typically two to five years after diagnosis, and no cure exists. With every sale of these special edition Augie's Quest HIJINX sunglasses, Oakley will contribute US$20 to Augie's Quest, creating a vision of hope in the fight against ALS.

"Augie has been a long time supporter of Oakley and we're proud to team with him and Augie's Quest," said Scott Olivet, CEO, Oakley. "We honor Augie's contributions to the fitness industry, his inspiration as an individual and entrepreneur, and the innovation he has brought to medical research and fundraising. For more than 30 years Oakley has made history, and with your help we will make history in the war against ALS."

"I'm extremely grateful to Oakley for creating these special edition sunglasses," said Augie Nieto, Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer, Augie's Quest. "Not only do they combine great looks with the best sunglass technology, but they are also a fitting way to draw attention to the cause. Augie's Quest is motivated by a bold vision of the day when the cure for ALS is found."

The Augie's Quest HIJINX sunglass from Oakley is available in two styles. The Polarized Augie's Quest HIJINX eliminates 99% of glare with Oakley's polarization technology. It also features a laser etched signature by Augie Nieto on the corner of the lens and on the inside stem, in addition to "Augie's Quest" in script on the outside frame. The Non-Polarized Augie's Quest HIJINX sunglass features a custom rendition of the Augie's Quest logo laser etched on the corner of the lens, in addition to the outside frame and inside stem.

Each special edition sunglass includes the clarity of Oakley's High Definition Optics(R) with patented innovations including XYZ Optics(R) for razor sharp vision at every angle of view. The lenses are enhanced with Black IRIDIUM(R) lens coating for balanced light transmission in bright sun. The comfortably lightweight polished black O Matter(R) frames are engineered for all-day comfort, shock absorption and durability. A specially designed pin and Augie's Quest MICROCLEAR(TM) bag are included for lens cleaning and eyewear storage.

The suggested retail price of the Polarized Augie's Quest HIJINX sunglass from Oakley is US$190 and US$135 for the Non-Polarized Augie's Quest HIJINX sunglass. Both are available at http://www.oakley.com/aq and select Oakley stores nationwide. Augie's Quest apparel and accessories from Oakley are coming soon.

About Oakley, Inc.

Oakley is a worldwide leader in performance optics including premium sunglasses, goggles and prescription eyewear. Headquartered in Southern California, the company's optics brand portfolio includes Fox Racing, Mosley Tribes, Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith Spectacles. In addition to its worldwide wholesale business, Oakley operates retail locations including Oakley Stores and The Optical Shop of Aspen. The company also offers a wide selection of Oakley-branded technical and active apparel, footwear, watches and accessories. Additional information is available at http://www.oakley.com.

About Augie's Quest

Augustine (Augie) Nieto, a prominent leader in the nation's fitness industry for nearly three decades, received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease) in March 2005. Augie was co-founder and former president of Life Fitness and is now chairman of Octane Fitness. In September 2005, he received the fitness industry's top honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Augie and his wife, Lynne, work closely with MDA staff to coordinate fundraising events that will benefit MDA's worldwide ALS research program. Augie's Quest has raised $17.5 million for ALS research since it began in 2005. As co-chairs of the ALS Division, the Nietos help raise awareness through public appearances, speaking engagements, media interviews, and public service announcements. For more information, visit http://www.augiesquest.org.

SOURCE Oakley, Inc.