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Ceglia's Creativity Challenged in National Gift Wrapping Contest
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As the holiday season quickly approaches and the gifts are piling
up, many may feel intimidated by the sea of wrapping paper,
ribbons, tape and bows that await them. Trying to wrap that
baseball glove or conceal "little Susie's" gift of a new tennis
racket may be enough to bring on a massive headache. But for Jodi
Ceglia, CCBC's publications manager, creating ways to wrap
odd-sized gifts is a welcomed challenge - a challenge that was
tested on Nov. 22 when she competed in the Scotch Brand Most
Gifted Wrapper Contest in New York City. Sponsored by 3M, eight
contestants received roundtrip tickets to compete for $10,000 and
the title of "America's Most Gifted Wrapper."
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3M selected Ceglia based on a nomination by her mother and husband. Both
had been recipients of Ceglia's specially wrapped gifts over the years
and thought her talents were worthy of the competition. "You never know
what gift lies beneath Jodi's intricate gift wrapping," said Bill Ceglia
(Jodi's husband). "You can tell that she spends a lot of time and gives
a lot of thought in wrapping a gift. It's never just your basic box and
bow."
Ceglia was surprised that her family nominated her for the contest and
even more surprised when she found out she was a contestant. "I've
always loved thinking of new and creative ways to wrap gifts for friends
and family, but I never imagined that I would be selected for the
contest," said Ceglia.
Staged in Rockefeller Center in New York City, the national competition
offered contestants a major challenge as they were presented odd-shaped
gifts to wrap such as boxing gloves, telescopes and even a child's swing
set. Ceglia quickly got to work -- wrapping, taping, tying -- creating
her gift-wrapping masterpiece through each round of competition. When it
was all over, Ceglia placed third and went home with a prize of $500 in
addition to her expense-paid weekend trip to New York.
"I had a wonderful time," said Ceglia. "Even though I didn't win the
grand prize, it was a great experience. The competition was fun, New
York was exciting and I have memories that will last a lifetime!"
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