THE CENTSABLES: Financial Literacy Project Ready to Launch on Multi-Media Platform

THE CENTSABLES: Financial Literacy Project Ready to Launch on Multi-Media Platform

NEW YORK, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Mark DiPippa, President of Norm Hill Entertainment, Ltd., announced the launch of a groundbreaking multi-media project geared toward teaching kids about financial literacy.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071030/NYTU125 )

THE CENTSABLES will help children understand the concept of money and its importance throughout their lifetimes, while modeling positive values. Components of the project include an animated television series, interactive Web site, banking programs for kids, a classroom module including teacher lesson plans, and extensive merchandising including collectible action figures, games, trading cards, clothing and other products.

DiPippa, the creator of the project and producer of the animated television series states, "With today's kids spending more than $30 billion on purchases each year, promoting financial literacy is a priority for parents. However, research indicates parents don't teach their children the basic concepts of earning, spending and saving money. THE CENTSABLES program is designed to fill that need. It educates as it entertains, giving kids the knowledge and skills they need to make smart financial choices and sound decisions throughout their lives." Added DiPippa, "While many Web sites exist to help kids learn about financial literacy, only THE CENTSABLES provides a multi-media platform including an animated television series, interactive website, educational programs in schools, and a real banking program to educate kids about money and encourage them to save."

The animated series, targeted to kids 6-11, features six super-hero friends who through rollicking adventures and by example teach sound fiscal responsibility and positive behavior. When the kids of Moneyapolis are threatened by villains like Creditor and Liquidator, THE CENTSABLES leap into action, fighting evil-doers with abilities that include super speed and powers over water and wind. Storylines highlight the CENTSABLES' diversity and model pro-social behaviors. Narration for the series is being provided by ADAM WEST of Batman fame. The series will meet FCC educational and informational (e/i) guidelines.

THE CENTSABLES Web site, www.centsables.com, allows kids to explore the concepts of money, how value is determined, basic economics and investing, through a series of easy-to-understand, fully interactive units. Using calculators and downloadable forms, children can master banking skills such as check writing and budgeting, preparing deposit slips and earning money. The site features action-comics based on the animated television series, an informative parent link, plus exercises and games that reinforce learning and keep kids coming back. All content meets national learning standards and will be available in English and Spanish.

The Banking for Kids program is a turn-key opportunity for financial institutions to encourage saving and good financial management for youngsters. The welcome kit includes a special savings account, free gift, collectible action figure and DVD of THE CENTSABLES pilot television episode. The proprietary program also includes in-branch training and ongoing employee support, personal appearances by CENTSABLES characters, all branch signage and rack brochures, plus a targeted print advertising campaign for existing and potential customers. The classroom component leverages web site material into downloadable lesson plans that are in alignment with national educational standards for mathematics. The program includes a teacher resource kit, posters for the classrooms, comic books, calculators and other student handouts.

Tony Intelisano, President of Mark Anthony Entertainment, distributor of the series states, "Initial discussions are already underway with broadcast outlets to air the animated series, as well as with major sponsors to participate in the project on many levels, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. For both broadcasters and sponsors, THE CENTSABLES represents a one-of-a-kind programming and marketing vehicle that will attract kids, and their parents, provide opportunities for partnerships on both a local and national basis, tremendous goodwill, and real revenue."

The animated television series is targeted for a Fall 2008 launch, with other components featuring THE CENTSABLES characters being made available earlier.

For more information, contact Mark DiPippa at 631 547-6200, ext 321 or e-mail at mark@centsables.com, or Tony Intelisano at 518 668-2154 or tonymae@adelphia.net.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: mark@dnacreative.net

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071030/NYTU125
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN14
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Norm Hill Entertainment, Ltd.

CONTACT: Mark DiPippa, +1-631-547-6200, ext 321, mark@centsables.com, or
Tony Intelisano, +1-518-668-2154, tonymae@adelphia.net

Web site: http://www.centsables.com/

---

Profile: International Entertainment