Business News

American Greetings Chooses the Funniest of Them All

Wednesday 30. July 2008 - Popular Card Caption Writing Contest Names Grand Prize Winner

When all was said and done, approximately 60,000 people thought they were funny, and while many did prove it, only one could end up laughing last. American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) today announced that Clinton Griffiths of Derby, KS has been awarded the grand prize in the Think You’re Funny? Prove It! caption writing contest in conjunction with the release of their newest line of funny photo cards, Fun Pix.

Griffiths submitted copy for a picture of two young boys looking down into the kid’s potties they are sitting on. The image resonated with Griffiths, who recently became a father. Inspired by the trials of new parenthood and caring for his seven-month old son, Colton, his caption read, “Sorry your card is late. Dooty called. Happy Belated Birthday.”

“I was shocked and delighted to find out I was the winner. My wife Mary Beth didn’t believe me at first,” Griffiths said. “I’ve always enjoyed looking at funny photos and thinking of humorous captions to go with them. Those are my favorite types of cards to give family and friends.”

Griffiths, 28, works at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, KS as a communication specialist.

The deadline to submit entries was May 11, and by that time plenty of participants had taken the opportunity to show just how strong a funny bone they had. Participants could submit a card caption for three separate funny images. In addition to the image which Griffiths chose, there was also a curious dog playing with a rubber ducky and a shot of three elderly people (two men and one woman) sitting on a bench as one man had his arm around the woman, she was holding hands with the other behind his back.

The judging was completed by a team at American Greetings, who looked at many factors in deciding the ultimate winner.

“We received a lot of very funny ideas to choose from,” said Mindy Johnston, assistant product manager at American Greetings, who was part of the team reviewing the entries. “When we judged the submissions we looked at many things, but mainly it came down to whether or not the joke that was submitted would translate to a final card, and then, who came up with the funniest idea.”

Griffiths is awarded the grand prize of $1,000.00. Two runners-up will have their concepts posted on AmericanGreetings.com and will also receive one- year memberships to the site.