Ridgewood Savings Bank announced on September 1 that it will participate this fall in a “Lights, Camera, Save!” video contest for teens aged 13 to 16 that is part of the American Bankers Association Education Foundation’s National Teach Children to Save Program.  The video contest challenges entrants to think creatively and is designed to help young adults learn about the value of saving while inspiring others to become “life-long savers” themselves.

 The contest is open to bank customers and the public. All are invited to submit their video entries to any Ridgewood Savings Bank branch beginning now through November 1.  The bank will host the first round of judging to select three top winners.  Entrants can win a Nook w/Wi-Fi® grand prize, a Kodak Mini Video Camera as a second prize or a $100 American Express Gift Card third prize.  The top winning video from among these three winners will then be submitted by the bank to compete at the national level for a chance to win a $3,000, $1,500 or $500 U.S. Savings Bond or an iPod® Touch.

“As a community-focused bank, we feel it is important to educate our teens about the value of saving as a life-long endeavor,” Ridgewood Savings Bank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William C. McGarry said.  “This video competition is a creative and engaging way to encourage young adults to develop smart savings habits early in life.  You can’t start too early.”

Contestants may submit only one video up to 90 seconds in length, recorded on CD or DVD formats, with content that supports a consistent and meaningful message on the value of saving.
 
“We are excited to be a part of a program that reminds young adults how important it is to become financially responsible,” Ridgewood Savings Bank Assistant Vice President LouAnn Mannino said. “Producing a video is a fun way to get them thinking about an important topic.”

Official entry forms are available at all Ridgewood Savings Bank branches.  Video submissions can be mailed to or brought into the bank.  Local winners will be announced during December 2010; the National Grand Prize winner will be announced in September 2011.

Chartered in 1921, Ridgewood Savings Bank (www.ridgewoodbank.com) is the largest mutual savings bank in New York state, with $4.5 billion in assets, serving customers throughout the New York metropolitan area.