U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF ANNOUNCES WINNER OF ANNUAL PIER 1 IMPORTS®/UNICEF GREETING CARD CONTEST
Grand Prize design to be sold at Pier 1 Imports during the 2016 holiday season
NEW YORK (January 28, 2016) – The U.S. Fund for UNICEF today announced the winner of the annual Pier 1 Imports®/UNICEF greeting card contest. The theme this year was “One World, One Heart.” Erin, age 11, from New Jersey, is the recipient of this year’s Grand Prize for her artwork, which will be reproduced as an official UNICEF greeting card and sold exclusively at Pier 1 Imports stores across the country and on Pier1.com during the 2016 holiday season. Erin’s artwork was also selected by the public for the U.S. Fan’s Choice Award*, marking the first time that both contest prizes have been awarded to the same person.
“Over the past 31 years, the committed support of our partner Pier 1 Imports has helped us engage and empower children in the United States to become global citizens and make a difference in the lives of their peers around the world,” said Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “We thank all those who participated in the Pier 1 Imports/UNICEF greeting card contest and we congratulate this year’s winner for her inspired artwork that will help raise awareness about UNICEF’s work to put children first.”
Erin’s prize-winning artwork depicts a dove in flight above the earth, holding an olive branch in its beak. Erin, who hopes to be a fashion designer or graphic designer when she grows up, chose to represent international symbols of peace and friendship to encourage people to reflect on these themes and feel joy and happiness. She hopes her artwork will inspire people to help provide kids in need around the world with shelter, clothes, food, water and an education. As the winner of the Grand Prize, Erin will be awarded with a $5,000 scholarship and $500 for art supplies for her school. In addition, as the recipient of the U.S. Fan’s Choice Award, she will receive $500 for supplies for herself.
During the 2016 holiday season, one hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of all UNICEF cards sold at U.S. Pier 1 Imports stores and on Pier1.com will go to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support UNICEF’s work providing lifesaving medicines, vaccines, nutritious foods, primary education, clean water and sanitation, and emergency relief to vulnerable children around the world.
Pier 1 Imports began selling UNICEF greeting cards in 1985. During its successful 31-year partnership, Pier 1 Imports has raised more than $42 million for UNICEF in the United States and Canada.
* The U.S. Fan’s Choice winner is determined by visitors to the Pier 1 Imports website, pier1.com, who are given the opportunity to vote for their favorite design out of 10 semi-finalists.
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
About Pier 1 Imports
Pier 1 Imports, Inc. is the original global importer of home décor and furniture. Information about the Company is available on www.pier1.com.
For more information, please contact:
Lauren Weybrew, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2503, lweybrew@unicefusa.org