With warm weather finally here after the crazy winter vortex on the East Coast, baseball season is finally in full swing. Citi Bank kicked off their sixth season of hosting their Citi Kids that provides educational and motivational support to middle and high school students living in New York City. Citi Kids’ 2014 campaign started by hosting students from Brooklyn and Manhattan at last week’s National League battle between the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field.
Before the game, Citi hosted a seminar for the kids that stressed the importance of saving money, investing in college, opening a bank account and cost effectiveness. Students received the message well and were excited to take the skills that they learned by opening bank accounts of their own. “Today was a fun day,” said Lenny Montesaso of Manhattan’s PS 161. “I learned a lot about how saving actually means that you’re cool.”
During the seminar, Citi also featured three-time Olympian Erin Hamlin, who made history in this years Winter Olympics in Sochi when she claimed bronze in women’s luge. Hamlin first connected with Citi during the months leading up to the Winter Games as part of the Every Step Program. The effort helped Hamlin and eight other elite athletes raise money for awareness of grass roots sports programs that are dear to their hearts. Hamlin preached the importance of working hard to achieve goals to the students in attendance. “This is great,” Hamlin told The Source. “This is the stuff that’s kind of highlighting my post Olympic experience. It’s really fun to come to events and really make a difference and have the ability to give back and meet kids.”
“It’s a great place to come and talk to kids. I’m really excited to impact their life.”
Check Out Erin Hamlin In Sochi
In Sochi, Hamlin became the first American ever to win an Olympic medal in singles luge. Not only did Noah Daniels of MS 354 in Brooklyn learn that peer pressure can lead to spending money on frivolous things like brand name sneakers and clothing, but he really enjoyed getting a chance to learn about luge. “I think I’m going to try luge,” he said.
The organization launched on April 15, 2009,in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s annual Jackie Robinson Day. Citi Kids’ mission is to support children’s development through various programs designed to instill meaningful values and knowledge that will be the groundwork for their future.
