Kim Tuccitto, a gift-wrapping guru from Vadnais Heights, Minn., was crowned "America's Most Gifted Wrapper(TM)" for 2003 as she wrapped up the $10,000 grand prize today in a national gift-wrapping contest sponsored by the maker of Scotch brand tape.
Amid throngs of holiday revelers at Rockefeller Center, Tuccitto out wrapped six other gift-wrapping experts -- including pros with experience at Lazarus-Macy's and Star Treatment -- in the seventh annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper contest sponsored by 3M. With bows, ribbons and Scotch brand tape in hand, Tuccitto and her worthy competitors wrapped a 10-gallon hat, a pair of skis and a La-Z-Boy(R) chair with breathtaking flair, speed and style.
Tuccitto offers this advice to those who are getting ready to wrap their holiday presents. "My best gift-wrapping tip is to always work with the package to be creative," Tuccitto said. "Don't let the gift's shape or size work against you while wrapping."
The first runner-up, Sue Collins from Mission Hills, Calif., received a $2,500 cash prize. The other five contestants received smaller cash prizes as well. Contestants were judged on three criteria: appearance, technique and speed.
The judging panel consisted of three experts in the art of gift-wrapping: Robin Cohen, producer of "Wrap Magic" and the president of Bow Jest Enterprises in San Andreas, Calif.; Ellen Timberlake, "America's Most Gifted Wrapper" in 2000; and John Saxtan, editor-in-chief of "Giftware News".
About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 70,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O are trademarks of 3M.
Hunter Public Relations, New YorkAmy Coles, 212-679-6600 Ext. 221
