Strikeouts to Deliver Big Hit for Bay Area Kids with the Launch of Pro

    Philanthropy Writers/Business Editors/Sports Editors/Baseball
    Writers

    SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2005--Providian Financial (NYSE:PVN) has teamed with San Francisco pitcher Jason Schmidt to launch K's for Kids -- an exciting new charitable giving program that will benefit a number of Bay Area children and their families.
    Throughout the 2005 season, Providian will donate $50 for every strikeout recorded by two-time all-star Jason Schmidt and his Orange and Black pitching teammates. At the end of the season, the funds raised by K's for Kids will be divided between two great San Francisco organizations: the Koret Family House, which serves as a home away from home for families of seriously ill children, and the South of Market Child Care Center, which provides child development programs for the kids of low income working parents. Providian has long supported the creation and maintenance of quality, affordable childcare in the areas where its employees live and work.
    As a proud sponsor of Giants Baseball on KNBR 680, Providian's K's for Kids will be promoted during KNBR's baseball broadcasts throughout the season, and will feature a series of spots voiced by Schmidt.
    "I'm really pleased about teaming up with Providian to help Bay Area families, in particular children, who are in need," said Schmidt. "I went through a very tough time a few years ago when my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor and became very ill. Through this partnership with Providian, my goal is to support kids who are experiencing their own tough times and to give them the hope that they can get through it. Every night I am on the mound, the Koret Family House and the South of Market Child Center will be on my mind and every strikeout will feel even better this year thanks to Providian and the K's for Kids program."
    The program will formally launch during this weekend's play-by-play coverage from SBC Park. Each week, the total strikeouts will be tallied and announced on air. As of the date of this release, some 15 games into the 2005 season, San Francisco pitchers have recorded 79 strikeouts, raising $3,950 to date for Koret Family House and South of Market Child Care Center.
    "We are fortunate to be a part of a community where supporting children and families is a priority to both sports stars and businesses," said Alexandra Morgan, executive director of Koret Family House. "With every strikeout, K's for Kids delivers a win for the children and families that we serve."
    Providian supports its local communities through Providian Cares, a company-wide commitment to address pressing quality of life issues, particularly in the areas of child care and financial literacy. Providian and its employees are actively involved in the San Francisco Bay Area through a variety of programs and initiatives, including Providian's other sports-related social marketing program Touchdowns for Tots, which provides a donation for designated area childcare centers for every Oakland Raider and San Francisco 49er touchdown scored during the regular NFL season. A sister program is also conducted with the Dallas Cowboys.
    "We're very proud of this program. It provides badly needed help for children and their families," said Warren Wilcox, vice chairman of Planning and Marketing for Providian. "We're all rooting for Jason and his teammates to have a great year, which would happily lead to a big donation from Providian."
    In addition to his success on the mound, Schmidt has led his team off the field through his involvement in the local community. Schmidt will also donate $100 for every strike out he throws in 2005 to the National Brain Tumor Foundation. In 2003, he received his ball club's Roberto Clemente Award, an honor bestowed upon one player on each Major League team to recognize those individuals who best exemplify the game of baseball, sportsmanship and community involvement.

    About Providian

    San Francisco-based Providian Financial Corp. (www.providian.com) is a leading provider of credit cards to mainstream American consumers throughout the United States. By combining experience, analysis and technology, Providian seeks to build long-lasting relationships with its customers by providing products and services that meet their evolving financial needs.

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CONTACT: Providian Financial Corp. Alan Elias, 415-278-4189 alan_elias@providian.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING SPORTS PRODUCT MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Providian Financial Corp.

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