Ellen DeGeneres’ card collection with American Greetings makes its debut

the ellen collection ™ dances its way into card aisles nationwide

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Cleveland, Ohio (June 25, 2007) – Ellen DeGeneres has danced her way into the hearts of millions of fans around the world with her trademark wit and quirky observations about everyday life, and now, she’s the star of her own signature line of greeting cards. Now available in drug stores, grocery chains and super centers nationwide that carry American Greetings products, as well as American Greetings and Carlton retail locations, the ellen collection™ is a partnership between Ellen DeGeneres and American Greetings that brings the comedian’s award-winning style of humor to life on a line of 32 greeting cards.

the ellen collection™ features illustrations of the comedian along with her trademark wit about everyday life on cards for birthdays, friendship, thank you and encouragement. The cards were developed in close collaboration with Ellen and her team to reflect the hip but relatable style that has earned her People’s Choice Awards for “Favorite Daytime Talk Show Host” and “Favorite Funny Female Star” two years running.

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 in-depth research the company conducted to get to the root of what’s funny today.

“T he 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 kind of humor that Ellen is known for,” said Willensky. “ the ellen collection ™ is one of the many ways we are marking the launch of our all-new funny cards that find humor in the real-life shared 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™ show DeGeneres in many of her trademark fashions, like crisp white pants, argyle sweaters, button-down shirts and Chuck Taylor-like sneakers. Her love for animals is also incorporated into several designs that show her with “Pig,” her famous white French bulldog.

The messages on the cards capture DeGeneres’ signature way of making people laugh. One of the thank you cards 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 in the ellen collection™ shows Ellen dancing while Pig looks on. The message on the front says, “Your birthday makes me wanna dance!” while the inside explains, “…which is weird because I’m in line at the DMV and now everyone’s staring at me. Enjoy your day.”

“ the ellen collection ™ captures Ellen’s style, demeanor and unique brand of humor exactly,” added Willensky. “Consumers will be excited to see such a friendly, familiar face when they visit the American Greetings card aisle this summer.”

Cards in the ellen collection™ are available nationwide at major super centers, drug stores and grocery stores that carry American Greetings cards for $2.79 each. American Greetings and Carlton Cards stores in the U.S. and Canada will also carry the full 32-card line. For more information, go to www.americangreetings.com/retailers.

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 15 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 (NYSE: AM) 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.