The region’s biggest free financial fitness fair, “Money Power Day,” returns Saturday, Apri1 7 at Poly-Western High School.
More than 1,000 adults, teens and children are expected to attend the event sponsored by the nonprofit CASH Campaign of Maryland and its partners.
The event aims to boost the financial well-being of residents with activities designed to inspire and inform individuals of all ages and income levels, officials said.
Free workshops, exhibitors, credit counseling, financial planning and children’s activities will be available at the event which kicks off at 9 a.m.
“Money Power Day is all about hope and building a prosperous financial future regardless of where you are in that journey,” said Courtney Bettle, the director of Financial Capability for the Cash Campaign.
“It’s your one-stop shop for getting the support you need to achieve your financial dreams whether that’s starting or growing your business, home ownership, or paying for college,” said Bettle, a graduate of Goucher College and Johns Hopkins University.
As a whole, the African-American community has systematically been locked out of wealth building opportunities since being brought to this country and the CASH Campaign, along with its partners, are working to change that by reducing the barriers to accessing the resources and information Baltimoreans need to grow their savings and build wealth, Bettle said.
She said the tenacity and resilience of CASH Campaign clients inspires her each day. “It’s incredibly motivating to see our clients exceed their personal financial goals and gain peace of mind when they take control of their financial lives,” she said.
Originally from West Philadelphia, Bettle once worked for Baltimore City Public Schools in its Engagement Office where she supported the planning and implementation of district-wide community engagement initiatives like the community design process of the 21st Century Building initiative.
Prior to that, she was also involved in efforts to reduce hunger and poverty in Maryland and around the country.
“I was drawn to CASH because of the underling mission to build financial security for the most vulnerable families and support families in growing their personal wealth, particularly for people of color and women,” Bettle said, noting that she’s been at CASH since 2014.
“Money Power Day is so special because it’s an opportunity for individuals and families to receive support and encouragement in all areas of their financial life without the fear of being taken advantage of,” Bettle said.
“All the partners that make Money Power Day possible; the nonprofits, government agencies, financial institutions. They’re committed to helping Baltimore residents achieve their financial goals and to make it fun at the same time,” she said.
Congressman Elijah Cummings, Mayor Catherine Pugh and Bettle plan to engage attendees at the event while Pastor Franklin Lance of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church will give the Invocation. Fox 45’s Chardelle Moore will serve as master of ceremonies.
Bettle said the CASH Campaign of Maryland was awarded the Neighborhood Builder Award by Bank of America. In addition to a generous grant to the organization, Bettle represents CASH as the organization’s Emerging Leader in Bank of America’s national leadership program with Neighborhood Builder Awardees from the other markets across the country.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to learn and develop my skills as a leader,” she said.
For more information about Money Power Day, visit www.moneypowerday.org