Midland, MI – November 24, 2009 – On Friday, November 20, the Stark family from Midland, Mich. received a surprise of a lifetime when Donald Trump’s original “Apprentice” Bill Rancic showed up at their door awarding them with a full financial makeover as part of the Gradient Gives Back Community Outreach Program - the third makeover of the nationwide campaign aimed to help families struggling financially.

Rancic was accompanied by Gradient Financial Group COO Tami Lucius and local Midland investment advisors Carl and Jason Cryderman of Great Lakes Investment Advisors. Gradient presented the family with six months of mortgage payments, tax preparation and filing for two years, debt reduction, financial analysis, retirement planning, and career counseling. Additionally, Great Lakes Investment Advisors have committed a lifetime of financial services to the family.

“Everyone wants a hand out these days,” said Jason Cryderman. “That’s what makes this so special. It’s not a hand out — it’s a hand up.”

After being laid off in December 2007, Bob Stark, 52, has since struggled to find a full-time job in Michigan’s depressed economy. At risk of losing their home, his wife, Bobbie Stark, 48, applied for the Gradient Gives Back Program, hoping to be considering for the nationwide financial makeover.

“It’s amazing, and I’m overwhelmed,” said Bobbi Stark. “I don’t even know what to say; I’m just thankful, grateful -- praise God.”

Now, Gradient Financial Group, along with Great Lakes Investment Advisors, will help the Stark’s get back on solid financial ground.

“Being able to help somebody when they’re going to loose their home is really what life is all about,” said Tami Lucius. “If I could do this every day, I would be doing this.”

In addition to financial support provided by Gradient Financial Group and Great Lakes Investment Advisors, the Stark’s received numerous community donations including: family portrait session, framed prints, and coverage of the financial makeover event (Larkin Photography); $2000 gift certificate (Dan Dan the Mattress Man); $250 gift certificate for yoga classes (The Yoga Place); six $25 gift cards (Pizza Sam’s); $300 worth of heating system and home inspection services (Carey Plumbing and Heating Inc.); small business development and consulting (Delta College); contractors and labor for roof repair (United Way); three-moth membership at Smitty’s Iron Works (Smitty’s Iron Works); general health evaluations, comprehensive physicals, family wellness coaching classes, massages, and healthy cooking DVDs (Vibrant Health and Wellness Center); family movie passes (Midland Cinemas); free weekend night stay and dinner for two at Café Zinc (The H Hotel); gift basket of Michigan products (The Michigan Store); $100 gift certificate for groceries and $100 gas card (Apothecary Shop); $25 gift certificate for Super Suppers prepared meals (Super Suppers); $25 donation (Mashue Printing); six month free subscription (Midland Daily News); $30 gift certificate (Damon’s Grill); travel items (AAA – Midland), estate planning services (Currie Kendall); Great Lakes Loons gift package (Great Lakes Loons); gift certificate and t-shirts (Midland Community Center); gift certificate (Bennigan’s); six gift certificates for hair cuts (New Image Salon); free tickets to Peter Pan and pottery (Center for the Arts); $50 gift certificate (Home Depot); $100 computer repairs and maintenance (Compucom Computers); discount on materials (Lowe’s Home Improvement); four free oil changes (Feeny Midland); $300 gift certificate (Everett Carpet); and

Gradient Gives Back Fund available to help the Stark family with expenses (Wildfire Credit Union).

Additional Midland businesses have committed to the family but have not yet made donations.

Gradient Financial Group launched Gradient Gives Back in May 2009 to provide families, hardest hit by the economic downturn, financial support to get back on their feet. The program will continue through December 31, 2009.

To learn more about Gradient Gives Back Community Outreach Program, visit: www.gradientgivesback.com.

About Gradient Financial Group
Gradient Financial Group, LLC encompasses a comprehensive family of financial services firms which includes Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Gradient Investments, Gradient Securities, Gradient Tax, and Gradient Home Mortgage. Gradient strives be the first and most trusted resource for financial services professionals and clients. Leading the industry by providing unparalleled service, business guidance, practice management, training, marketing systems, and access to unique products and platforms, Gradient is creating tomorrow’s advisor, today.

Contact:
Kelley Campau
Dowd Agency
212-686-7777
Kelley@dowdagency.com