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Yunus Centre Yunus Centre Highlights Audiences in 46 states and the District of Columbia Take Part in Launch of National Public Engagement Campaign
Yunus Centre Yunus Centre Highlights Audiences in 46 states and the District of Columbia Take Part in Launch of National Public Engagement Campaign
| Audiences in 46 states and the District of Columbia Take Part in Launch of National Public Engagement Campaign |
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NEW YORK, April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In an unprecedented theatrical event, audiences in theaters nationwide watched "To Catch a Dollar: Muhammad Yunus Banks on America" tonight, learning the story of the Nobel Laureate's unique and successful model of microfinance and how it is changing lives here in the United States through the nonprofit organization, Grameen America. In addition to the film, moviegoers saw a panel discussion taped in front of a live studio audience in New York on March 9 featuring Professor Yunus, with special guests financial powerhouse Suze Orman, Kiva President Premal Shah and Grameen America President Vidar Jorgensen. The event was introduced by actor Robert De Niro and moderated by CNBC's Maria Bartiromo. The event played in front of sold-out theaters in several cities, including Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, Seattle, Austin and San Francisco.
(Photo: https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110322/NY69539) "Tonight was a first for independent films like To Catch a Dollar," said Gayle Ferraro, the documentary's director and producer. "The entrepreneurs I've met along the way - the women empowered by the Grameen model, both here and in 65 countries around the world are an absolute inspiration, and it's been an honor to be able to share their stories with the public in such a unique way." The film's producers intend to use tonight's event to launch a broader campaign designed to educate, assist and activate a growing community supporting microfinance services in the United States. Throughout the month of April, in partnership with leading activist and advocacy organizations, the To Catch a Dollar community will explore issues related to the film and relevant for America today: women in poverty, the plight of the "unbanked" in America, savings and financial literacy, and policy solutions. In partnership with Dress for Success and generous support from the Allstate Foundation, the producers will also use April to launch the My Dollar, My Life campaign, an effort to encourage Americans to take steps to improve their own financial stability while helping to raise funds for Grameen America. "Never before has such a spotlight been shown on microfinance here in the United States," said Vidar Jorgensen, President of Grameen America. "This film is the culmination of years of hard work, but there's more work to be done. Professor Yunus has taught us that there are solutions to poverty, and it's up to us to make those dreams realities. Together, we'll do just that."For more information on the film and its public engagement campaign, visit www.tocatchadollar.com About Grameen America Grameen America's mission is to provide affordable microloans to financially empower low-income entrepreneurs. Since January 2008, Grameen America, a non-profit organization, has loaned out over $14 million in microloans to over 5,000 members. Started in Jackson Heights, Queens, Grameen America has expanded to Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Omaha, Nebraska. Our vision is to help create a world free of poverty. We predict a community where any individual with a dream can receive affordable financial products regardless of income, previous credit history, education, or business experience. We envision a world where burgeoning entrepreneurs are empowered to lift themselves out of poverty through hard work and determination to forge better lives for their families and future generations. (For additional information go to www.grameenamerica.org or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1 781 939 2572) About To Catch A Dollar To Catch A Dollar is an independent documentary owned and funded by the director Gayle Ferraro of Aerial Productions. For more information go to www.aerialproductions.com or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |