Rhodes Furniture Ford Join Forces With Universal Studios' Xena: Warrior Princess

Furniture World Magazine

Xena: Warrior Princess, the nation's number one, first-run syndicated action television series, will emblazon the hood of Patty Moise's Rhodes Furniture Ford Taurus of the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division, announced George A "Buck' Thornton, executive vice president of Rhode's Furniture. For at least five Bush Series races in 1998, the Rhodes Furniture Ford, driven by Moise, will feature a colorful action shot of USA Networks Studio. Xena: Warrior Princess, which stars actress Lucy Lawless. The new artwork will make its debut at the Sam's Town 300 on Saturday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Race will be nationally broadcast by ESPN at 4 p.m. (ET). "Rhodes Furniture sought an innovative way to enhance the popularity of Patty Moise, a modern, vibrant and determined person, using an entertainment property, said Thornton. "When Universal Studios suggested Xena: Warrior Princess for the promotion, we knew the combination would be powerful. Lucy Lawless portrays Xena as a bold and courageous role model, which are also characteristics of Patty Moise." This is the inaugural season for Rhodes Furniture Racing, and Moise will drive through the 1999 campaign. "Rhodes Furniture and Universal Studios have given me a great opportunity, and I'm proud to drive the Rhodes Furniture Ford with Xena: Warrior Princess featured on the car," said Moise, a native of Jacksonville, FL, and a resident of Greensboro, NC. "Xena and I are both strong willed and determined people who just happen to be women. My passion is driving, and Xena's passion is fighting injustice." Cross-promotions are planned for selected Rhodes Furniture retail stores, USA networks and Universal Studios to include television, home video and the Florida theme park. Rhodes, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Richmond based Heilig-Meyers Company and one of five retail formats operated by the company. Rhodes, Inc. operates 103 stores in 13 Southeast and Midwest states. For more information on this promotion contact Rhodes at: 804-784-7300.