Bass Pro invests in foster program

Bass Pro spokesperson Larry Whiteley said the company will deposit $10,000 each to two 529 college savings plans, or MOST accounts, through State Treasurer Sarah Steelman’s new Believe program.

“We believe in this program and the potential it holds for foster children,” Whiteley said at a Dec. 22 conference at Bass Pro’s Uncle Buck’s Auditorium. “We want these at-risk foster kids to know someone believes in them.”

Believe, Bringing Educational Leadership by Investing and Expecting Victory in Every Child, is partnering with Missouri organizations and individuals to set up Missouri Savings for Tuition accounts specifically for the state’s 11,000 foster children.

“Christmas is about love, and this is a real chance to make a difference in a child’s life,” Steelman said at the press conference.

MOST accounts, created in 1999, are not subject to state income tax on deposits up to $8,000 per year. Also, any earnings on the investment are tax-advantaged.

Steelman said she is close to securing agreements with several other Missouri organizations and expects to announce their donations soon. The Missouri Department of Social Services is working with Steelman’s office to coordinate selection of the children.

To open a MOST account through Believe, visit Steelman’s Web site, www.treasurer.mo.gov.

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s Dec. 22 e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.