You + Creativity + (RED)™ Inspiration = A Hallmark Card

Hallmark announces the first finalists in an ongoing card competition: you create, Hallmark prints, everyone votes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Dec. 14, 2007) — For years Hallmark consumers have been clamoring to submit their own greeting card designs to the company. They got what they asked for with the launch of the first in a series of themed card competitions – a competition inspired by Hallmark’s partnership with (PRODUCT) RED™. Wowed by the impressive entries, Hallmark Cards, Inc., today announces the competition’s 10 finalists.

As part of the first competition’s entry process, consumers were encouraged to log on to Hallmark.com/you and share their card design inspired by the theme of connecting and (PRODUCT) RED. Entries were then judged – based on representing the theme, creativity and ability to be sent for multiple occasions – by representatives from Hallmark and (RED)™. The 10 winning designs will be produced by Hallmark and then sold online. Like all Hallmark (PRODUCT) RED cards, a portion of wholesale sales will go to the Global Fund.

“For years, Hallmark consumers have approached us with incredible ideas for greeting cards, and we love that passion,” said Lindsey Roy, senior product manager at Hallmark. “As a company built on creative expression, we wanted to see what might happen if we provided an open-invitation opportunity to our fans to create whatever’s in their hearts. They didn’t disappoint. It’s been inspiring to see the unique, amazing ways they interpreted the theme.”

Meet the finalists

The number and quality of entries far exceeded the team’s expectations. Out of the stacks of talented entries received, there were 10 in particular that rose to the top. Those 10 finalists will receive $250, with Hallmark matching that amount in a contribution to the Global Fund. In addition, the 10 designs will be made into actual Hallmark cards available for sale on Hallmark.com starting Dec. 28. Just like the entire Hallmark (PRODUCT) RED collection, 8 percent of net wholesale sales of these cards will go to the Global Fund. Meet the winners…

• Emily Barklage from Eureka, Mo.
• Leslie Bernal from San Antonio, Tex.
• Tiffany Bogus from Sarasota, Fla.
• Mia Deng from Atlanta, Ga.
• Kelsey Hargens from Ames, Iowa
• John Lucatorta from Tucson, Az.
• Erin McGuire from Port Richey, Fla.
• Meredith Shamburger from Carthage, Tex.
• Angie Stiles Richardson from Peoria, Ill.
• Daniel Williford from Los Angeles, Calif.

It’s up to you! Vote for your favorite designer

Starting today, the 10 finalist designs will be posted on Hallmark.com/you where consumers can vote for their favorite through Jan. 10, 2008. The entrant with the most votes will be named the Grand Prize Winner and receive $2,250, with Hallmark matching that amount in a contribution to the Global Fund. The winning card will also be sold online for a year.

“This first-of-its-kind creative endeavor is a perfect example of why we are thrilled to have Hallmark as a (RED) partner,” said Susan Smith Ellis, chief executive officer, (RED). “With this competition, (RED) fans everywhere were given the opportunity to put their inspired designs to work to put a smile on a friend's face – and help people living with AIDS in Africa at the same time. Beyond buying Hallmark (PRODUCT) RED, this is great way for the (RED) community to get involved.”

What’s next? Your funniest pet photo

While the first rendition of the you-powered greeting card competition tied in with Hallmark’s (PRODUCT) RED, it doesn’t end there. Consumers can start preparing now for the next competition. Starting in January, artists and pet enthusiasts alike will be encouraged to submit their funniest pet photos with a birthday sentiment in the “YourPets” competition. Anyone interested in learning more before entering can visit Hallmark.com/you.

About Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Kansas City-based Hallmark is known throughout the world for its greeting cards, related personal expression products, and television's most honored and enduring dramatic series, the Hallmark Hall of Fame. The company’s Crayola subsidiary provides fun and imaginative ways for children to colorfully express themselves. The company publishes products in more than 30 languages and distributes them in more than 100 countries. In 2006, Hallmark reported consolidated net revenues of $4.1 billion. Hallmark is a proud partner of (PRODUCT) RED. Find more at Hallmark.com/RED.

About (RED) and (PRODUCT) RED

(RED)’s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help fight AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT) RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to finance AIDS programs in Africa, with an emphasis on the health of women and children. Current partners are: American Express (U.K. only), Apple, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Motorola, Hallmark, Dell and Microsoft. MySpace.com is the first media sponsor in the United Kingdom and MTV Networks is the first media sponsor in the U.S.

Since its launch in the spring of 2006, more than $100 million has been generated by (RED) partners and events for the Global Fund. (RED) money is already at work in Swaziland, Rwanda, and Ghana. For more information, visit www.joinred.com.