The Great Piggy Bank Savers Pageant

The Great Piggy Bank Savers Pageant Begins February 22. Several banks and credit unions in central Iowa will host the Great Piggy Bank Savers pageant. The event will kick off Central Iowa Saves, which is a week devoted to helping Iowans save their money.

What: Piggy banks will be on display at various locations.

Start: Contests open February 22, 2010.

End: Deliver entries by March 22, 2010.

Entries will be on display until April 22, when entries are picked up.

Why: The Pageant is designed to encourage enrollment in Central Iowa Saves, which is as easy as 1,2,3:

1) Open or add to a savings account.

2) Promise to save, no matter how much.

3) Let our banker sign you up at www.centraliowasaves.org.

Entries: Each financial institution determines the rules to enter piggy banks in its contest. See your local branch for details.

Examples: The Bankers Trust contest is open to customers who enter a decorated bank. Entries will be judged by customers.

Bank of the West is working with elementary students who may enter by painting a small bear bank.

Iowa State Banks contest is Go GreenGet Green and entries must be made of recycled materials.

Prizes: Prizes will be awarded by participating financial institutions. Central Iowa Saves is a program of United Way of Central Iowa, who collaborates with local financial institutions to promote saving. Any Iowan can sign up or learn how to be a Central Iowa Saver at www.centraliowasaves.org or call Claudia Hawkins, 515-283-0940.