Hallmark Announces Finalists in Father’s Day Greeting Card Contest

Consumers submitted their funniest photos about fatherhood

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Feb. 25, 2009) —  Hallmark today announces the finalists in the Father’s Day portion of the latest card creation contest, “yourParenthood.” Consumers were invited to submit their best kid photos with a message to make a dad smile on his special day.

The competition is Hallmark’s fifth, but the first featuring kid photos. Consumers submitted photos for a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day card in November and December.  Hallmark creative staff members and two celebrity judges – author Robert Wilder and comedian Anita Renfroe – then judged submissions. 
 
“This contest required more than a great photo,” notes Hallmark editorial director Sarah Mueller.  “The card has to work for any parent and be sent by anybody, not just their kids. We found we have really clever consumers – with really cute kids.”
 
Hallmark revealed 16 finalists in the Mother’s Day competition in January and now announces the 12 finalists in the Father’s Day competition. Each of the 28 finalists will received $250 cash and a $250 donation to a charity of their choice.

The 12 finalists hail from a variety of locales across the United States – from Estacada, Ore., to Medford, Mass., and all points in between. Only one will have the last laugh, however, and be named the Grand Prize Winner by a nationwide vote.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize.

America is voting online for the best of the Mother’s Day finalists and will begin voting for the best Father’s Day finalist on April 6. Each card purchased will also count as a vote. The Father’s Day finalist with the most votes by June 29 will receive the $2,500 grand prize.

Finalists were selected based on the following criteria:
• Sendability: How easily the card can be sent to a variety of moms and dads.
• Authenticity: How well the card expresses the real experience of parenting.
• Cohesiveness: How well the photo and writing work together.

Here are the finalists in Hallmark’s “yourParenthood” Father’s Day competition:

Stacey Neal                       Dawn Sayles
Kansas City, Mo               Estacada, Ore

Lindsey Simpson             Stephanie Ryan
Wilmington, N.C.              Ferndale, Mich.

Kristi Hillard                       Melanie Caffarini
Richmond, Ky                    St. John, Ind.

Katie Cowdin                     Carrie Moore
West Point, Utah               Grand Blanc, Mich.

Diana Damm                     Barb Swan
Lowell, Ind.                         Blaine, Minn.

Andi Heinen                      Maria Curcio
Topeka, Kan.                    Medford, Mass.

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 United States alone, with the network of Hallmark Gold Crown® stores providing the very best selection. The Hallmark brand also reaches consumers online at Hallmark.com 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.