Boof_inglewood_harlem_etc_110Matching Fund Contributions From the Hanna Family Trust and Jacob Family Foundation Further Youth Financial Literacy Programs in the City of Inglewood

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – December 18, 2007) – Demonstrating the importance of investing in financial literacy, William and Barbara Hanna gave Operation HOPE (HOPE) one of its largest personal contributions today at a check presentation ceremony at Crozier Middle School in Inglewood, CA.

Boof_inglewood_harlem_etc_068"Seeing how these children have directly benefited from HOPE’s award winning financial literacy program, Banking on Our Future, personally touched Barbara and I," said William Hanna about the family’s $100,000 gift to advance HOPE’s "silver rights" movement. "We are delighted that we can play a part in expanding this wonderful program."

The Hannas’ unexpected $100,000 gift and $100,000 matching donation from personal family friend, Violet Jacob of the Jacob Family Foundation, is the result of their commitment to helping young people break the cycle of poverty in underserved communities.

Boof_inglewood_harlem_etc_084With the goal of financially empowering students attending public schools in the Inglewood Unified School District, the Hanna Family was on hand as Inglewood Mayor Roosevelt Dorn headlined a ceremony where 6th, 7th and 8th graders also had an opportunity to meet state and local elected officials. "The City of Inglewood is grateful to William and Barbara Hanna and the Jacob Family for this investment in our community’s future," said Mayor Dorn. "Our kids want to succeed and these efforts will ensure that they have the proper foundation."

Boof_inglewood_harlem_etc_103 In his twelve years on the national board, William Hanna has been an integral part of HOPE’s continued growth. A member of the Executive Board, he also chairs HOPE’s Audit Committee and serves on the Executive Compensation and Benefits Committee. Currently, Mr. Hanna is the president and chief executive officer of Pacific Western Bank’s Los Angeles Region.

"We’ve enjoyed wonderful partnerships over the years with entities such as Citi and ComericA Bank," said Mary Haggerty, Senior Vice President and Chief of Financial Literacy Initiatives at Operation HOPE. "But to have individuals display such confidence in the work we’re doing is not only gratifying, but extremely humbling." HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant added, "This incredible family and the Jacob Family Foundation exemplify the true spirit of giving. It is our hope that others are inspired to match their financial commitments to help us in our quest to inspire self reliance and personal empowerment."

Boof_inglewood_harlem_etc_090 About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Operation HOPE is America’s leading nonprofit social investment banking and financial literacy empowerment organization. Through several global initiatives and its three principal programs: Banking on Our Future (teaching school children about money), HOPE Coalition America (financial emergency preparedness and disaster relief), and the HOPE Center Banking Network (loans, bill pay, computer literacy, understanding banking principles), HOPE is leading the "silver rights" movement towards making free enterprise and capitalism relevant to all underserved communities. For more information about Banking on Our Future or other programs, visit us at www.operationhope.org.

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