Tuesday November 11, 2008
Mayor Jerry Abramson and Brightside are teaming up once again with local retailer Parallel 38 for a unique fundraiser just in time for the holidays. The official 2008 Louisville Metro Tie by Vineyard Vines was unveiled today and is now available at Parallel 38, located at 3905 Chenoweth Square. A portion of each sale will be donated to Brightside’s beautification programs.
The creation of the new Metro Tie, the second in an annual series, was a collaboration between the mayor, Vineyard Vines and Parallel 38. This year’s tie design has a sophisticated style featuring Louisville’s version of the fleur de lis, celebrating one of the city’s well-loved icons. The tie is available in red, royal blue, raspberry and apple green and will sell for $85 at the retailer. $5 from each sale from each tie will benefit Brightside.
“Building on the success of last year’s launch, we have a tremendous opportunity to create a new look for Louisville, while dressing up our community through Brightside beautification projects,” Abramson said.
This is the third Brightside fundraiser coordinated by Parallel 38. To date, Brightside has received over $8,000 from the sale of specialty Vineyard Vines ties.
“We are happy to support Brightside and do our part to keep our city clean and green and foster community pride,” said Terri Cardwell, owner of Parallel 38. “The exclusive Metro Tie from Vineyard Vines was such a hit last holiday season that we started working early this year in planning the new design for 2008.”
Abramson became familiar with Vineyard Vines ties when President George W. Bush and U.S. Senator John Kerry wore the neckwear during the 2004 presidential campaign.
At a campaign stop in Louisville, Abramson noticed the unique design and color of Kerry’s tie and asked about its origins. Subsequently Abramson purchased several of the ties.
“Guys notice ties,” Abramson said. “When you wear a suit everyday, it’s the one thing that makes your suit stand out from the next guy’s.”
Vineyard Vines is an apparel company founded in 1998 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, inspired by their love of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. Mike Gaumer, vice president of Vineyard Vines, flew into Louisville last year to visit local retailers and noticed the mayor wearing a Vineyard Vines tie in photos at the airport.
“We’re thrilled that Parallel 38 has partnered with Mayor Abramson to give back to the city of Louisville,” said Demi Wasilko Ferraris, director of sales for Vineyard Vines. “Who knew something you tie around your neck would be tied to such a great cause?”
“I think the tie really captures the spirit of Louisville,” Abramson said.
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More
- Donor-funded and volunteer-driven, Brightside is uniting people in clean and green activities to beautify the city and foster community pride.
- The Brightside/Citi Community-Wide Cleanup, held on October 25, was the largest single-day event in the history of the organization. Over 6,000 volunteers removed 25 tons of trash from Louisville’s sidewalks, streets and green spaces.
- While Metro Louisville covers administrative expenses for the agency, all programs and beautification efforts are funded entirely through private donations and sponsorships.
- Since its inception, Brightside has planted over one million daffodil bulbs and over one million flowers in our community.
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Kerri Richardson, 574-1903 / 216-0426 Lisa Gunterman, 574-2339 / 216-9251