The Mexican tradition of celebrating a girl's transition to womanhood at age 15 is taking root at Grow Financial Federal Credit Union. The $1.8 billion Tampa, Fla., credit union is now a sponsor of the Centro Florida Quinceanera Show.

Last year, the 155,000-member Grow Financial kicked off its sponsorship by creating the Project Quince account, a basic savings account with an enhanced interest rate and minimum monthly deposit that parents can use to start saving in advance for their daughters' big day.

Nearly 90 such accounts have been opened so far and this year the credit union is hosting the "Become the Next Project Quince Star!" competition. The winner, to be chosen in October, will have a photo shoot with makeup artist and stylist, appear in marketing materials and attend Grow Financial community events. The entry process begins online.

This year's winner was Karissa Gonzalez, shown here in photos taken at this year's Centro Florida Quinceanera Show on June 10 at a Tampa hotel.

"This show gives Grow Financial a great opportunity to support the Hispanic community and educate the attendees about our special products like the Project Quince Account," said the credit union's marketing manager, Jessica Shephard.

 

Karissa teaches some other young girls about saving money for their very own Quinceanera.

A picture cutout is a great way to make every girl feel as if her Quinceanera dreams can come true.

Karissa poses with some peers at the Marriott event after speaking to them about taking over for her as the next Project Quince star.

This family looks like it might have some Quinceneara savings to do. They stopped by to find out more about the special Grow Financial savings accounts.

 

 

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