THE ``Jenifer Estess Collection'' BY THE FRYE COMPANY LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE; TO BENEFIT PROJECT A.L.S. ``A STEP TOWARD A CURE''...

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2005 The exclusive "Jenifer Estess Collection" by The Frye Company is set to debut across the country at major department and specialty stores. The collection has been designed in tribute to Jenifer Estess, who died from ALS, (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), in December 2003. "It is symbolic that the Jenifer Estess boots 'Faith, Hope & Charity' will now be reaching stores across the nation in light of the country's recent events," says Jim McCormick, President of Frye, referring to the names of the boot styles in the Estess Collection. The FRYE Company will donate 20% of the proceeds from the "Jenifer Estess Collection" to Project A.L.S. Founded in 1998 by the Estess sisters, Jenifer, Meredith and Valerie, and their friends, Project A.L.S. is a non-profit organization that raises awareness and significant funds toward effective treatments and a cure for ALS, a fatal brain disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Project A.L.S. has raised more than $23 million to date. More than 100 stores will be carrying the boots including Nordstrom, Dillard's, Jeffrey (NYC & Atlanta), Otto Tootsi Plohound, and others.

The handmade boot collection, with styles available for men and women, range in price from $700 to $1,200, and are made of the finest materials. According to Creative Director, Guy Marshall, "We are excited to debut Frye's first pinnacle collection in honor of Jenifer's legacy." New signature packaging has also been created for the collection, including a limited edition, copper embossed black box displaying Jenifer's portrait.

The Frye Company will be hosting a series of special events across the country to unveil the "Jenifer Estess Collection." Events will take place at Bloomingdale's 59th Street, New York (TBD); Nordstrom, Chicago - October 15 and Nordstrom, Seattle - November 18, and others.

Larry Tarica, CEO of parent company Jimlar Corporation, and a board member of Project A.L.S., says "We couldn't be more proud of our association with this great organization--particularly the work of Meredith and Valerie. They keep the candle for Jenifer's memory burning bright."

ALS is closely related to Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's, a family of brain diseases that experts are calling the next epidemic of the 21st Century. Project A.L.S. promotes a rational, aggressive approach to scientific research designed to produce the first effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure.

Founded in 1863, last year marked the 142nd Anniversary of The Frye Company. The Frye Company is the oldest continuously operating boot company in the United States. For more information, visit www.fryeboots.com . For more information on Project A.L.S., visit www.projectals.org .

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