Ellen DeGeneres’ Card Collection Debut
June 25, 2007
American Greetings debuts it new line of greeting cards, the ellen collection(TM).
CLEVELAND, June 25 — Ellen DeGeneres has danced her way into the hearts of millions of fans with her trademark wit and quirky observations about everyday life, and now, she has her own line of greeting cards. Now available in drug stores, grocery chains and super centers nationwide that carry American Greetings products, the ellen collection(TM) is a partnership between DeGeneres and American Greetings that brings the comedian’s award-winning style of humor to a new line of 32 greeting cards.
The ellen collection(TM) features illustrations of the comedian on cards for birthdays, friendship, thank you and encouragement. The cards were developed in close collaboration with Ellen and her team to reflect the comedian’s hip but relatable style.
According to Steven Willensky, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for American Greetings, the collaboration between American Greetings and DeGeneres is the result of extensive research the company conducted to get to the root of what’s funny today.
“The research revealed that a majority of women prefer to laugh at material that is more relatable, especially when it’s based on everyday situations, and that’s the humor that Ellen is known for,” said Willensky. “the ellen collection(TM) is one of the many ways we are marking the launch of our newest funny cards that find humor in the real-life experiences women encounter.”
“I look at having a line of cards as another extension of being a host; helping you wish your loved ones well, piggy-backing on your birthday greetings,” DeGeneres said. “I like to be up in the middle of everything and doing it this way is much easier than crashing parties.”
Cards in the ellen collection(TM) highlight many of the comedian’s trademark fashions, like crisp white pants, argyle sweaters and Chuck Taylor- like sneakers. Her love for animals is also incorporated into several designs that show her with “Pig,” her white French bulldog.
The messages on the cards capture DeGeneres’ signature brand of humor. One thank you card shows Ellen and Pig on the front, and says, “Wow. Thanks. Does this mean I have to do something nice for you now?” A birthday card shows Ellen dancing while Pig looks on. The message reads, “Your birthday makes me wanna dance! … which is weird because I’m in line at the DMV and now everyone’s staring at me. Enjoy your day.”
About Ellen DeGeneres
Recently the host of the 2007 Academy Awards, DeGeneres continues to receive widespread critical and public acclaim for her hit syndicated talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which to date has won 21 Daytime Emmy Awards. She also won the Producers Guild Award for the second consecutive year for Outstanding Variety Television Show, and was voted “Favorite TV Host” in a Time Magazine poll, up against such impressive competition as Oprah Winfrey, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Meredith Vieira. DeGeneres has
also received the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Daytime Talk Show Host” and “Favorite Female Star” three years in a row.
Since she was first nationally recognized in 1982 as a comedian in New Orleans, her many contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her numerous accolades, including a Golden Apple Award as Female Discovery of the Year from the Hollywood Women’s Press Club, a Lucy Award honoring women in Television and Film and an Amnesty International Award. DeGeneres
was the first female comedian the legendary Johnny Carson ever invited to sit on his couch, an honor he bestowed upon only the most gifted entertainers. She also starred in two Emmy Award-nominated HBO comedy specials, and is the author of two New York Times Bestsellers.
About American Greetings Corporation
American Greetings Corporation is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, stationery, calendars, ornaments and electronic greetings. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $1.7 billion. For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.
SOURCE American Greetings
