NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - December 4, 2009) - Ann Erickson, a gift-wrapping extraordinaire from Park City, Utah, was crowned the 2009 "Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper" in a national gift-wrapping contest sponsored by 3M, the maker of Scotch brand tape and Scotch cutting tools. At Rockefeller Center in New York City, Erickson out-wrapped seven other gift-wrapping gurus to win the ultimate holiday present -- a $10,000 cash prize.
About the contest:
- Finalists wrapped odd-shaped gifts in three rounds during the contest:
- Round 1: a toy helicopter and a boxed jigsaw puzzle
- Round 2: a bicycle
- Round 3: a seven-foot tall sailboat
- The contestants were judged on three criteria: appearance of the wrapped gifts, the technique used to wrap the gifts, and speed
- A preliminary judge selected the eight finalists -- four amateurs and four professionals --based on a brief essay describing their talent and experience in the art of gift wrapping
About the first runner-up and other contestants:
- The first runner-up, John Rutherford, from Cincinnati, Ohio, received a $2,500 cash prize.
- The following six contestants also received smaller cash prizes:
- Shauletta Baptiste from New York, N.Y. of Kate's Paperie
- Elissa Fernandez from Tampa, Fla.
- Erin Fluegge from Pensacola, Fla. of Chicks with Tape
- Judy Porter from Kingwood, Texas of Neiman Marcus
- Nantalie Rogers from Gotha, Fla.
- Linda Summerlin from Tarzana, Calif. of Celebrity Wrap
About the judging panel:
- The judging panel consisted of three gift wrapping experts:
- Wanda Wen, co-owner of Soolip Paperie & Press and wrapper for many of Hollywood's A-list celebrities; her book, "The Art of Gift Wrapping," is due out in Spring 2010
- Mark Ski, former producer for Martha Stewart Living
- Gina Tepper, gift-wrapping expert from www.GiftDecorating.com
Wrapping for a Cause:
- Scotch brand judges and past contestants will be on hand at the Felissimo Design House in New York City, 10 West 56th Street, to wrap passersby holiday gifts from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Proceeds from wrapping benefit Friends of Materials for the Arts.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms -- often in combination -- to a wide array of customer needs. With $25 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
Quotes:
- Erickson offers this advice to those who are getting ready to wrap their holiday presents: "Before you start wrapping, have the necessary supplies on hand like gift-wrap paper, ribbon, scissors, tape and a Scotch paper cutter," said Erickson. "Don't worry about making the perfect bow or folding the corners exact; gift wrapping is all about simple elegance and of course, having fun in the process!"
Links:
Contact Information:
Contact Information:
Melissa Kuhn (Agency)
Hunter Public Relations for 3M
p: 212-679-6600 ext 223
mkuhn@hunterpr.com
www.hunterpr.com
Helen Wagner (3M)
3M Public Relations and Corporate Communications
p: 651-733-4858
