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.”

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Vineyard Vines is an apparel company founded in 1998 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, inspired by their love of Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

Louisville boutique Parallel 38 offers premier lines of clothing, travel and lifestyle products to experience the good life with well-known brands including Vineyard Vines, Barbour, Patagonia, Lacoste and Tommy Bahama. For more information, please visit www.parallel38.com or call 1-866-392-9375.