[Tuesday, December 9, 2008]
“Bear” It All - Exclusive Louisville Zoo Glacier Run polar bear ties and totes available in time for the holidays!

Be sure to “bear” it all this holiday season with Louisville Zoo’s new exclusive Glacier Run ties and totes featuring polar bears—icons of the Arctic. These special one-of-a-kind ties and totes were created through collaboration between the Zoo, Vineyard Vines and local retailer Parallel 38. Both the ties and totes are available in either royal blue or red for a limited time only now through December 31 at Parallel 38 (3905 Chenoweth Square) or the Zoo’s Development Office (in person or by calling 502-238-5615). Ties are $85 and totes are $125 with all net proceeds going to support the Zoo’s Glacier Run Capital Campaign. The Zoo can also mail items for an additional $5 shipping and handling fee.

After December 31, the exclusive ties and totes will be offered only as a special premium with a contribution of $2,500 or more to the Glacier Run Capital Campaign.

“We are thrilled with this partnership and the sophisticated, stylish products,” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “Not only will you be telling people that you support the Zoo and Glacier Run by wearing the tie or carrying the tote, you will bring awareness of how bold, beautiful and awe-inspiring polar bears are and how we must do everything we can to save them.”

To celebrate the partnership and exclusive launch, Parallel 38 is hosting a special in-store Zoo party on Thursday, December 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. with wine, hors d’oeuvres and real live animals.

“We are delighted to help support the Louisville Zoo and Glacier Run,” said Terri Cardwell, owner of Parallel 38. “I’m an avid animal lover and have been a friend of the Zoo for many years. I’m excited to be a part of the Zoo’s efforts to inspire caring and conservation among visitors of all ages. Polar bears are symbols of environmental awareness and climate change, and Glacier Run is going to bring that message home to Kentucky.”

The Zoo’s Glacier Run exhibit, currently under construction and scheduled to be complete in 2010, will feature polar bears, seals and sea lions and will educate visitors about global issues hopefully inspiring them to take action for the planet.

“Glacier Run will be a life-changing experience,” Walczak said. “It will fundamentally advance the Zoo’s mission of ‘bettering the bond between people and our planet’ through education, recreation and quality family fun. Your purchase of these ties and totes and contribution to the Glacier Run Capital Campaign will ensure that our kids, friends, families and visitors will enjoy a world-class zoo experience—including up-close viewing of magnificent polar bears—right here in our back yard.”

[Thursday, November 26, 2008]
Support Metro Animal Services:  Go Shopping
"Dow Gone to the Dogs Economic Stimulus Party" at Parallel 38 
If the Dow's got you down, Metro Animal Services (MAS) and local retailer Parallel 38 have a stimulus package for you.  Parallel 38 will host "Dow Gone to the Dogs Economic Stimulus Party" on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Customers who bring two cans of kitten or puppy food, or one 10-pound bag of adult dog food, will receive 25 percent off any item in the store (excluding the recently launched 2008 Metro Tie).  Customers who donate pet food will be entered to win a $500 shopping spree.

"We typically host our annual holiday shopping night at this time of year and thought this would be a great way to support Metro Animal Services and the amazing work they do," said Terri Cardwell, owner of Parallel 38. "I adopted my dog, Haley, from their shelter and know the staff takes wonderful care of the animals as they wait for placement in loving homes but they need our help now."

The drawing for the shopping spree will be held that evening.  Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served beginning at 5 p.m.  

Last December, Parallel 38 donated 50 beds to the shelter and matched other business donations to the shelter's Spot Fund, which provides low cost spaying and neutering.
"We are thrilled that Parallel 38 has chosen again to support Metro Animal Services," said Jackie Gulbe, assistant director of community relations at Metro Animal Services. "This year, we had more than 15,000 animals come through our shelter and this additional pet food, especially the adult dry food, is much needed."

[Monday, November 10, 2008]
Mayor Unveils Latest Louisville Metro Tie To Benefit Brightside

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.

[Saturday, April 26, 2008]
Kentucky Pride
The Courier Journal

These limited-edition silk scarves by Vineyard Vines could dress up any outfit. Only 25 made in each color. $95 ($5 from the sale of each scarf benefits Brightside) at Parallel 38, Chenoweth Square.
Click to continue story.

Craig Stevenson, owner of Loft Blu - a "gallery/refuge/venue" inside Glassworks where Australian-born designer Josh Goots stayed recently - is serious about gettingintoKentucky Derby Spirit. He also isn't playing when it comes to supporting Brightside, Mayor Jerry Abramson's beautification endeavor. So Stevenson likes to wear a limited-edition Derby-themed tie by Vineyard Vines available at Parallel 38, 3905 Chenoweth Square. It's $95 - $5 of which benefits Brightside. The ties feature a repeated design of a thoroughbred racehorse and mint julep cup. They're available in red, dark royal and yellow, and only 1,000 will be sold.