The South Butt makes donation challenge

COLUMBIA — The South Butt issued a challenge to The North Face.

It sounds like a bad joke, but the clothing company The South Butt sent out a news release on Dec. 22 challenging The North Face Apparel Corp. to match its clothing donation to St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

The South Butt has pledged to donate one clothing item per child admitted to the hospital on the selected day.

"The motivation for this was to take some of the good cheer and good luck that was brought on by the actions of North Face and spread it around," said Albert Watkins, The South Butt’s attorney.

The Missourian previously reported that The North Face is suing the The South Butt, which is solely owned by MU student Jimmy Winkelmann.

The lawsuit has increased sales for The South Butt, Watkins said.

"Nobody can argue with trying to help sick children," Watkins said.

The St. Louis Children’s Hospital has asked that the donation take place after the first of the year for logistic purposes, according to Jackie Ferman, the hospital's spokeswoman.

Ferman and Watkins said The South Butt is going to call the hospital after the first of the year and get a patient count.

The South Butt hopes to provide a wide range of clothing to the patients, Watkins said. Some of the patients might not be able to wear certain types of clothing because of the realities patients face while in the hospital.

“(There is) no sign of embracing of the concept from North Face," Watkins said.

The North Face company did not return calls from the Missourian.