American Greetings/Carlton Cards tests stepfamily-specific greeting cards nationwide.

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 24, 2008 – American Greetings/Carlton Cards tests “thestepcardcollection”of printed, stepfamily greeting cards in 40 stores nationwide mid-May 2008

Media Contacts:
Lisa Silvera/Christopher Hughes
info@thinkkingmedia.com & 305 772 2223 direct


For Immediate Release: (24 April 2008 - Miami, Florida)
On the heels of a successful winter/holiday 2007 online launch of www.thestepcardcollection.com®, thestepcardcollection® collection of printed holiday, occasion and sentiment cards created specifically for stepfamilies has secured the retail attention of American Greetings/Carlton Cards Fine Family of Stores. Celebrated as a unique collection of heartfelt written and artfully illustrated cards, the collection specifically addresses the feelings, challenges, & special situations unique to step, “co” and blended families which (collectively) make up approximately 50% of the nations population. American Greetings/Carlton Cards are confirmed to test the full range of thestepcardcollection® in 40 stores nationwide – in stores May 12, 2008.

thestepcardcollection® was created by a Miami Lakes, Florida Psychologist and Stepfather in late 2007. Newly married, Dr. Rick Levenson found traditional greeting cards incapable of expressing his feelings for his new wife and stepchildren; prompting him to create handmade cards. Teaming with his wife and business partner, Carmen Elias-Levenson an accomplished Florida CPA and civic leader, Dr. Levenson created thestepcardcollection® - personal project turned successful business that helps other families more aptly express their sentiments.

The first group of 24 quality, printed cards (printed on recycled paper) was written by Dr. Rick, Illustrated by Belgian Artist Caroline Geys and Designed by Miami-based design team BE IT Designs. “The cards convey all of the same sentiments as depicted by the cards found on www.thestepcardcollection.com but in the print medium. The cards are fresh, spirited, humorous and playful in design and pack the same sentimental and communicative punch as our collection of online cards” said Dr. Rick.

The cards are being marketed and sold to other fine stationers and retail outlets nationwide including GetSmart Educational Super Stores and will soon be available for purchase on the website alongside the existing e-cards and postcards.

Catering specifically to stepfamilies and their exceptional emotional and communication challenges and triumphs, thestepcardcollection® is a FREE accessible, fun and tasteful online resource brimming with e-cards, postcards, calendars, birthday alert, reminders, address book and personal picture and message upload capabilities, family friendly games, and so much more.

A special section of particular interest on the thestepcardcollection.com site is “Dr. Rick’s Step-Forum®”, a dynamic and dedicated blog that is informational, inspirational, and interactive. Have a question for Dr. Rick? Want to share pertinent information, issues or data with families like yours? “Dr. Rick’s Step-Forum®” is just the place.

While traditional families can celebrate holidays and birthdays with greeting cards that may perfectly express their sentiments, stepfamilies could not - until now. thestepcardcollection.com® and thestepcardcollection® of quality, printed cards provide a loving and objective voice for stepfamily members to address each other sensitively and sincerely without being corny or painfully predictable.

In early May 2008, American Greetings/Carlton Cards will test the full range of thestepcardcollection in CA, CT, DE, FL, MD, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, WA & WI.