RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genworth Financial
(NYSE: GNW) has awarded prizes worth $3 million, one of the richest prizes in
television history, to the "Geniuses" team, who were revealed as winners of
the NBC Treasure Hunters' summer reality show in last night's live finale.
The Geniuses -- Francis Goldshmid, 20, Sam Khurana, 21, and Charles
Taylor, 22 -- beat out nine other teams that began the challenge in June.
Genworth was one of the show's primary sponsors, the exclusive sponsor of the
Genworth Financial Treasure Hunters online game and the sponsor and prize
provider at last night's finale in Washington, DC. Scott Gray, winner of the
online game, was also awarded a prize worth $100,000 at last night's finale.
"Genworth Financial's business is focused on helping people financially to
achieve their dreams," said Buzz Richmond, senior vice president of brand
marketing for Genworth. "We continue seeking groundbreaking avenues to build
the Genworth Financial brand. Treasure Hunters provided a dynamic and
exciting way to reach a wide audience with highly visible Genworth Financial
roles throughout the season."
The three winners all attend Southern Methodist University. They met in
organic chemistry lab where Charles was the teaching assistant. On last
night's finale, when the team learned the size of its prize, Goldshmid said,
"This is absolutely awesome." "This is a life-changing experience," Taylor
added. All three said that, for the most part, life would continue as normal,
and they planned to catch a red-eye flight back to Southern Methodist
University and return to the classroom, where they all continue pursuing their
degrees.
"We couldn't be happier to award such substantial prizes to these
outstanding young men," said Michael D. Fraizer, Genworth chairman and chief
executive officer. "Charles plans to go to medical school and conduct
research in his own lab. Sam also plans to be a doctor and open a free
geriatric clinic. Francis wants to help his family, including funding his
parents' retirement, to repay them for all the sacrifices he says they've made
for him. It's extremely gratifying to know that the prize money will help
them realize these admirable dreams."
Each winning team member may elect to receive $1 million, delivered as an
annuity provided by Genworth Life Insurance Company. Or they can take a cash
award, based on the present value of the annuity. Because income payments
from an annuity are guaranteed, the recipients aren't exposed to market risks,
including fluctuations in interest rates and investment returns. The Genworth
Life Insurance Company bears these risks.
About Genworth Financial
Genworth is a leading insurance holding company, serving the lifestyle
protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more
than 15 million customers, and has operations in 24 countries, including the
United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the United
Kingdom and 17 other European countries. For more information about the
company, visit http://www.genworth.com.
SOURCE Genworth Financial, Inc.
CONTACT:
Phil Moeller of Genworth Financial, Inc.,
+1-804-662-2534, or
Philip.Moeller@genworth.com
