User-Created Hallmark Cards Now Available in Stores
"YourFunny*ness" and "YourPets" cards showcase artists across the country
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 16, 2008) — Today Hallmark announces the in-store availability of 84 cards created by consumers. The cards are all finalists in one of two greeting card competitions. "YourPets" is a collection of 67 cards featuring consumers’ humorous pet photos along with clever birthday wishes. These cards are available in about 11,000 stores that carry Hallmark products, including Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. "YourFunny*ness" features 18 humorous cards with just-for-fun messages. "YourFunny*ness" cards are available exclusively in Hallmark Gold Crown stores as part of the popular Shoebox humor card line.
Since the finalists were chosen, America has been voting for the best card in each contest at www.hallmark.com/you. As the contests come to a close later this summer, Hallmark will announce grand prize winners. The grand prize winner in the "YourPets" contest will receive $1,000 and a trip for two plus their pet to Hallmark headquarters. While at headquarters, they’ll receive a professional photo shoot and workshop with a designer and writer, with the potential of a new photo and sentiment being made into another card. Finalists received $250 and a pack of 10 of their finished cards.
The grand prize winner in the "YourFunny*ness" contest receives $1,000 cash, $100 worth of Shoebox cards, and a weekend with Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe. Finalists received $250.
The consumer-created cards are an example of Hallmark’s leadership in creating cards based on consumer insights, notes Ingerlene Embry, a Hallmark editorial director. “This way of working opens up a two-way dialogue between Hallmark and consumers, and empowers their creativity,” she says. “And, it allows people who have always wanted to have their work featured on a Hallmark card do just that. Their passion is inspiring and we think that passion will be as evident and appealing to shoppers who see these cards in store as it is to us."
About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Kansas City-based Hallmark has been helping people communicate, celebrate, and connect for nearly 100 years. Hallmark greeting cards and other products can be found in more than 43,000 places in the U.S. alone, with the network of Hallmark Gold Crown® stores providing the very best selection. The Hallmark brand also reaches consumers online at Hallmark.com, on newsstands through Hallmark Magazine, and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and the top-rated Hallmark Channel. In addition, Hallmark publishes products in more than 30 languages and distributes them in 100 countries across the globe. The company’s Crayola subsidiary provides fun and imaginative ways for children to colorfully express themselves. In 2007, privately held Hallmark reported consolidated net revenues of $4.4 billion. Charitable giving of $16 million a year focuses on the well-being of children and families, vibrant arts and cultural experiences, and basic services for people in need in the communities where Hallmark operates. For more information about the company, visit http://corporate.hallmark.com.