‘Realityapolis’ teaches kids about financial realities

When Old National associate Matt Finn arrived in the Wayne Henning Atrium at ONPlace to greet his 10-year-old daughter, Molly, he was too late to help. All the Chief Investment Officer for Wealth Management could do was laugh and give his daughter a hug. Molly was one of a dozen or so young people engaged in a round of "Realityapolis" - an interactive game that was unveiled two weeks ago for a two-day pilot run at ONPlace. Co-sponsored by Old National and the Evansville-area Girl Scouts, the game begins with each player randomly selecting an occupation card ranging from waitress to veterinarian.

Unfortunately for Molly, she drew an occupation with a salary at the bottom end of the spectrum. She then moved from booth to booth where Old National and Girl Scout volunteers helped her determine what sort of home, utilities, automobile and day care (yes, little Molly had even littler mouths to feed!) she could afford.

"When I got there to check on her, she was at the S.O.S. booth and they were trying to help her structure her budget so she could afford a car," said Matt. "She told me, 'Dad I thought I drew a really cool job, but I think I need to make more money.' "

"The goal is to teach children the realities of what things cost and how they have to make choices depending upon their income range," said Jody Rusk, director of the Evansville-area Raintree Girl Scout Council. "Our hope is that area teachers and counselors will see what we have and arrange to bring the program to their respective schools."

In years past the game had been called "The Reality Store," and it was popular with Evansville-area teachers and parents. But it hadn't been updated in years and didn't reflect many of the challenges adults of today face - like which cell phone plan to purchase.

That's where Old National stepped in. A team led by Old National Community Development Manager and Raintree Council Board Chair Jane Wittmer helped give the game a new look and feel.

"I think it's safe to say Realityapolis was a big hit with the students, parents and instructors who experienced it," said Jane. "The volunteers kept things loose and the kids seemed to really be engaged in the process."

Sarah Reitz, a fourth grader from Newburgh, Ind., had so much fun learning the financial ropes, she asked her mother if she and her friends could play Realityapolis at her upcoming birthday party. And even though Molly Finn couldn't afford to purchase a car on her meager salary, she had a blast as well, while also absorbing some critical life lessons.

"When Molly found out she couldn't afford to drive a car on her wages with two kids, she asked me if I had to make tough choices like that," said Matt. "I told her we were fortunate enough to be able to afford a car and a nice house for her and the rest of our family, but that not everyone was in the same position. I think this was an experience that will stick with her."

Connie Wambach and Sharon Brantley of ONB's Legal Department volunteered at "Uncle Sam's IRS" booth at Realityapolis. Their booth won the award for the most creative theme.

Patty Avery assists students at the "Raintree Realty" booth.

Jenny Devault and Susan Wilson in HR volunteered at the "Little One's Locale" (childcare booth) at Realityapolis.