Upromise by Sallie Mae Dream Wall Contest Awards $20,000 to Help Families Achieve Their Dreams for Their Children’s Future

Published on Friday, 02 December 2011 10:25 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

NEWARK, Del.-( Business Wire )-

In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Upromise by Sallie Mae asked families nationwide to share their dreams for their child’s future. America responded with more than 6,500 heartfelt stories from aspiring musicians, future sports stars, and more. The most inspiring, however, was a simple wish to walk for three-year-old Kiley Griggs, born premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her story inspired the most votes, out of 75,000 cast, and earned Kiley’s family the grand prize of $10,000.

“We are so grateful that Upromise allowed us to share our daughter’s story,” says Kiley’s mom, Lori Griggs, of Newport-Richey, Fla. “This will change Kiley’s life and future. She is a bright girl, and we are thankful for what this money will let Kiley do.”

Each week during the 10-week contest, one member won $1,000 to encourage their child’s dream. “My son is a pitcher for the Oklahoma State University baseball team. He wants to be a physical therapist. This money will help with his tuition,” said Shelly Wilson, a $1,000 winner from Cushing, Okla. “My dream is to support him through school to become a successful professional in the game of life.”

Amy Ruta, another $1,000 winner from Haddon Twp, N.J., is saving for college for her four kids. “I asked my kids what they dream about. My twins both want to be archeologists, my six-year old wants to be a veterinarian, and my 12-year old wants to be President one day. They’re all going to need college!”

Free to join at Upromise.com, members have earned more than $625 million in cash rewards since 2001 to help save and pay for college. Cash earned from everyday spending goes directly into a Upromise account and can be invested in a tax-deferred 529 college savings plan, deposited into a Sallie Mae High-Yield Savings Account, used to help pay down an eligible Sallie Mae student loan, or requested by check. So far in 2011, members have earned more than $45 million through Upromise, and added $13.2 million into primarily Upromise Investments, Inc. administered 529 plans, deposited $1.6 million in Sallie Mae High-Yield Savings Accounts and transferred $3 million to pay down Sallie Mae student loans.

Sallie Mae (NYSE: SLM) is the nation’s No. 1 financial services company specializing in education. Serving 25 million customers, Sallie Mae offers innovative savings tools, tuition payment plans and education loans that promote responsible financial habits and reward success. Through its subsidiaries, the company manages or services $238 billion in education loans and administers $35 billion in 529 college savings plans. Members of its Upromise college savings rewards program have earned $625 million to help pay for college. Sallie Mae is also one of the leading financial service providers for universities and governments at all levels, including supporting $8 billion in ecommerce transactions annually at nearly 1,000 campuses. More information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, commonly known as Sallie Mae, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

Sallie MaeAbigail Harper, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.