Fairgoers to win $2,000 in college savings accounts
Giannoulias holds “Bright Start 100” drawings

August 14, 2009

Fairgoers can enter daily to win money for college at Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias’ tent during the State Fair in Springfield.

Two names will be selected at random from each day’s entrants, each winning a $100 deposit into a Bright Start College Savings account. Families can use the money for almost any student and at almost any college for expenses such as tuition, books, fees, room and board.

Winners do not need to be present to win, but must be 18 years of age and reside in Illinois. The winners will be drawn daily at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Treasurer’s tent, located at the corner of Fairground Lane and Brian Raney Avenue.

Entrants can check back at the booth to see if their name is posted on the winner board. Winners will also be contacted by phone or mail and given 45 days to collect the prize.

“If you are a parent or grandparent at the fair, we encourage you to come by the State Treasurer’s tent and enter the Bright Start 100 random drawing,” Giannoulias said. “Each day, two lucky people will receive a $100 contribution to a Bright Start college savings account. You can use it for a child or loved one – or even yourself, if you are going back to school.”

The Treasurer’s Office expanded the Bright Start 100 random drawing this year to award a total of $2,000 during the fair. Previously, fairgoers competed for a single $500 drawing.

The Bright Start College Savings Program is Illinois' tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan. Like a 401(k) used to save for retirement, a 529 plan allows people to invest in various portfolios of stock and bond investments to save for a student's college education. Contributions to a Bright Start account are tax deductible—up to $10,000 per parent, per year.