Tampa , FL., January 6, 2005/ - Amscot Financial, a Florida-based tax and retail financial services company, is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its newest Tampa location at 6901 N Armenia on Saturday, January 8, 2005 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

James M. Evans and Richard Holland and children

At the grand opening, Amscot Financial is pleased to announce they will present a $1,000 contribution to the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, a grassroots agency serving low-income families who reside in the designated “Enterprise Zone” within the City of Tampa . The agency's programs are designed to help youth who are at-risk of early school dropout. The award will be received by Chief Executive Officer, James M. Evans, former NFL running back for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, servant-leader and Chairman of the Mayor's African American Advisory Council. Evans has served over 100,000 youth and parents through the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope. The donation will go towards providing direct resources for youth and parents in their “Leadership Through Education” Program which promotes rising above adversity, building self esteem, reversing violent trends and strengthening relationships.

Child Protection Education of America, Inc. (CPEA), a national nonprofit organization for missing children based in Tampa will also be available on-site to provide free fingerprinting for children through their “ID ME NOW” program which produces a state-of-the-art, specially designed card, for parents to keep. The card contains a set of the child's digital fingerprints, a black and white photo of the child, a dental chart, and instructions on how to do a simple DNA collection. Safety brochures are provided with the fingerprint card, as well as an envelope containing further information on how to complete their child safety kit. This information can assist parents and law enforcement officers involved with a missing child case. An interactive child safety CD-ROM can also be purchased for $5.00 at the event.

	Eddie Dominquez creates a balloon animal for a youngster.

During the grand opening event, entertainment will be provided for the community by a balloon twisting and juggling “jester”, Eddie Dominguez, and 93.3 WFLZ radio station will be broadcasting live from Amscot's parking lot and giving away prizes. Free refreshments will be served courtesy of Hungry Howie's Pizza.

Headquartered in Tampa , FL., Amscot Financial is a leading provider of income tax preparation and electronic filing services, refund anticipation loans, check cashing services, cash advance services, money transfer services and money orders through its wholly owned division, Amscot International Money Order Company. Amscot Financial currently operates 78 tax preparation offices and 78 retail financial service centers throughout Florida and employs more than 1,500 people. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.amscotfinancial.com.