SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 27, 2006–He’s been spotted schussing down snowy slopes, sailing and snorkeling in the Caribbean, cashing in at the blackjack tables in Vegas, and taking spontaneous road trips all over the world. Now the latest adventures of Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome have taken him to the auction block.
But this is no ordinary Roaming Gnome. He is a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted, full-size version as seen on a recent episode of Bravo’s Emmy Award-Winning “Queer Eye,” which premiered on Bravo on June 20, 2006. The Fab Five helped straight guy Ed Miller become a successful and well-known poker guru by having him teach one of them to compete in a Texas Hold’em poker match at Caesars Palace against classic Vegas performers who included Susan Anton, Penn Jillette, David Brenner and George Wallace.
The grand prize was the Roaming Gnome. Weighing in at 11 pounds and fixed on a six-inch wooden base, this Roaming Gnome measures 18 inches. Adding to its uniqueness, he is autographed by “Queer Eye’s” Fab Five as well as the Vegas performers featured in the episode. The winner of the “Queer Eye” celebrity poker tournament was actress Susan Anton, who won $10,000 towards the charity of her choice, the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity. Proceeds from the auction will also be donated to New Orleans Habitat for Humanity.
“This is definitely a ‘Trophy Gnome,'” said Jeffrey Glueck, Travelocity’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Any serious gnome collector will want to have this on their mantel or strategically placed in their garden. Plus, it’s a great cause.”
To bid, go to http://auctions.yahoo.com and type in “Roaming Gnome” in the search box. The starting price was set at $50 and at last check the bidding had increased to $600.
Booking it to Vegas
And if you’re looking to ante up to your own Vegas poker tournament, now is a great time to go. Flight + Three Nights Hotel begin at just $162. See www.travelocity.com/vegas for more details. Current Vegas hotel and activities deals include(a):
-- Paris Las Vegas from $119, including a "Passport to Paris"
added value package with a $50 food credit;
-- The Aladdin from $109, including a $25 dining and shopping
credit;
-- A "Spa, Shop and Slot" special at the Venetian from $180;
-- Buy one ticket to Blue Man Group and get free entrance to
Madame Tussaud's
-- Grand Canyon plane, boat and helicopter tour by Scenic
Airlines -- $364 per person
(a) Pricing and special offers based on a two-night booking beginning on July 30, 2006. All offers are subject to availability and some restrictions may apply. See site for details.
About The Roaming Gnome(SM)
While the practice of gnome-nabbing has been going on for years, Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome has achieved celebrity status, appearing on television and radio ads, posing for photo shoots in exotic locales, and getting recognized in airports across the country. Roaming Gnome merchandise is available for purchase at (www.travelocity.com/gnome).
About Travelocity
Travelocity(R) is committed to being the traveler’s champion — before, during and after the trip — and guarantees everything about a customer’s booking will be right. If it’s not, Travelocity will work with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. — booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in 2005. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity BusinessSM and GetThere(R) for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.
CONTACT: VOLLMER
Andrea Collins, 212-715-2222
andrea@vollmerpr.com
or
Alyson Briggs, 972-488-4790
alyson@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity
