Eli Coleman, age 8, of Prairieville, can honestly say he was a “Millionaire for a Day.”
Coleman, entered the essay portion of a contest sponsored by E Federal Credit Union that was open to E Federal Credit Union youth members, ages 16 and under. Participants could enter a 300 word essay or draw a picture on the topic “What I Would Do with a Million Dollars.”
Coleman’s mother, Rani Coleman, said she learned about the contest from a family member and EFCU’s Web site.
Coleman had several family members attend the event June 5 that was part of the winner’s package, including his father, Flint Coleman, his sister, cousins, aunt and grandparents.
This is the first year for EFCU in Baton Rouge to hold the contest, and 45 entries were judged by a panel of EFCU staff and board members.
Brandon Kelly, EFCU business development officer, said the contest was the company’s way of kicking off National Youth Week.
Reading what the kids wrote about being smart with money was fun, Kelly said.
Before presenting Coleman with his check Friday, EFCU CEO Ken Bordelon read Coleman’s essay. Coleman wrote that he would use the money to go to college, pay some of the bills at home, help others and get a tree house.
The youngster also wrote, “Well, I guess I could pay for my sister to go to college, also.”
Coleman was presented with a five-year $500 certificate of deposit and the 24 hours of interest earned from $1 million, amounting to $41.10.
Cassandra Phillips, branch manager the EFCU Market Street location, gave Coleman a complete tour of the facility, including the drive-through window.
Coleman’s award also included lunch with a local millionaire, owner and founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Todd Graves.
Graves met Coleman at the Market Street Raising Cane’s location and gave him a tour of the entire kitchen. Before leaving the kitchen Graves put an apron and hat on Coleman and let him fill a few containers with Cane’s secret sauce.
Coleman’s family was treated to lunch at Cane’s, but the winner had the pleasure of sitting at a table with Graves while he talked about being smart and how to save money.
Graves also chatted with Coleman about his summer plans, LSU Tigers baseball and gave him a gift basket containing Cane’s memorabilia.
Graves founded Raising Cane’s Chicken Finger 13 years ago. His dream was to have one restaurant located at the North Gates of LSU.
The franchise has grown substantially over the years. Raising Cane’s now has 80 locations in 13 states.
EFCU plans to open a new location in Prairieville this fall and is looking forward to serving the surrounding area, company officials said.
Coleman said he was excited about “being a millionaire for a day.”
When asked what was the best part of the day, he simply replied, “Everything!”
