Kissimmee , FL., May 4, 2005/ - Amscot Financial, a Florida-based tax and retail financial services company, is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its first Kissimmee location at 1120 West Vine Street on Saturday, May 7, 2005 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. At the grand opening, Amscot Financial will present a $1,000 contribution to the Osceola County Council on Aging Kid Companion Program. This program serves the Kissimmee community.

From left to right, Bill Worling – District Manager, Amscot Financial; Elaine Baggett – Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce Counsel Coordinator; Ivonne Vega – Branch Manager, Amscot Financial; Carmen Castillo – The Kid Companion Program; Deveron Gibbons – Vice President of Public Affairs - Amscot Financial

The Kid Companion Program was established in 1999 by the Retired & Volunteer Program, a sponsored agency of the Council on Aging. The program takes place once weekly, bringing at-risk youth and senior volunteers together for mentoring activities in a safe and caring environment. Paired with senior mentors for one-on-one interaction, the students receive the encouragement they need to develop their social skills and self-esteem while participating in constructive learning activities. Camaraderie is encouraged among the students and mentors through activities such as: arts and crafts, share and care sessions, snack time, guest speakers, volunteer activities, homework assistance and field trips. The children also celebrate their accomplishments with their parents and mentors at an end-of-term Recognition Banquet. Amscot's contribution will go towards the purchase of art supplies for the program.

	A representative of the CPEA fingerprints a local child.

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 with profits going to the CPEA for creating the CD-ROM.

Magician Greg Suarez amazes the crowd!

During the grand opening event, entertainment will be provided for the community by strolling magician Greg Suarez and 98.1 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.

Radio station 98.1 broadcast live from Amscot’s parking lot.

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 89 tax preparation offices and 89 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.