Treasurer Giannoulias’ Challenge:
“Beat Me in Basketball and Earn a Bright Start College Scholarship!”

February 25, 2008

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a former NCAA Division I basketball player and international
pro-baller, wants to give away a Bright Start College Scholarship this weekend, but you’re going to
have to earn it.

The challenge will happen during halftime at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale men’s
basketball home game against Illinois State University on Saturday, March 1st at 7:30 p.m.

Treasurer Giannoulias will go “head to head” against a randomly selected person from the crowd
at halftime. The treasurer and his opponent will shoot as many free throws as they can in 25
seconds.

If the challenger beats Giannoulias, he or she will receive a $500 gift certificate that will go toward
a Bright Start account.

The state treasurer’s office runs the Bright Start College Savings Program. It’s Illinois’ 529 college
savings plan that is an easy, tax-free way to invest for college.

Giannoulias’ Treasurer Stats
• Took office in January 2007
• Improved Bright Start program
• Cut budget in 1st year
• Put unclaimed property items on eBay
• Earned more money for Illinois through investments
• Implemented state’s toughest ethics order for his office
• Introduced the nation’s largest hybrid vehicle rebate program

Giannoulias’ Basketball Stats
• Played two years at Boston University (NCAA Div. I)
• Played one year of professional basketball in Greece

  
     
 
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