FEDERAL WAY, Wash.-The national "Biz Kid$" campaign to raise $2.6 million for production of a syndicated financial literacy show on public TV next year rolled on again last week picking up a $100,000 pledge from the foundation of the California/Nevada Credit Union Leagues. The donation from the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation representing the two leagues brings the total "so close" to the targeted $2.6 million goal, said Jamie Chase, director of communications at the Washington Credit Union League, which has helped coordinate national fundraising. Originally, a "self-imposed" May 13 target date was set as the deadline for all monies to be turned in so production could start, but contributions are still being accepted. Chase also explained that the Seattle-based PBS producers have officially agreed to let credit unions, not banks, be the sponsors. Since March, the Washington League, joined by several large California, Texas and Washington State CUs have been buttonholing CUs and their boards across the U.S. to roundup pledges for the Biz Kid$ show. The drive has also focused on state league foundations and vendors to raise enough cash so the first year's production could begin in October.
Meanwhile, the California/Nevada Foundation said in a statement the half-hour Biz Kid$ program "is consistent with the RMJ Foundation's new focus on community service grants to support efforts that involve credit unions in spreading the financial literacy message to young people."
Debra Gannaway, foundation board chair and CEO of Norton Community CU in San Bernardino, noted that the foundation now earmarks 70% of its funds to financial literacy community service grants, with the remainder funding scholarships.
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"The board also voted that the foundation will serve as a pass-through for funds donated from California/Nevada credit unions to support Biz Kid$," said Matthew Davidson, league executive vice president.
Rudy Hanley, president/CEO of Orange County Teachers FCU, which in April contributed $250,000, said it made its pledge "considering financial education for our youth has been a high priority for OTFCU as it has been for credit unions throughout the country. Biz Kid$ and the partnership with PBS and Junior Achievement is the perfect way to reach millions of children in an effective and entertaining manner."
"We are elated to see that California credit unions are joining in the efforts to enhance financial literacy amongst our youth through the production of Biz Kid$," said Gary Oakland, CEO of BECU in Seattle.
Credit unions that provide funding to underwrite the program "will receive nationally broadcast recognition as partners in a cooperative credit union branding TV campaign," said the Washington League.
Show content, the league continued, "will demonstrate the credit union difference to families; for example, one show will feature a high school credit union branch."
"The program will be supplemented by a broader business education campaign with curriculum, Internet components, interactive DVD, business startup kits, and more," the league concluded.
Apart from the California/Nevada contribution, $25,000 was also donated this month by Navy FCU and $25,000 from the Texas CU Foundation.
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