We are thrilled to share exciting news—Opportunity Knocks, the reality TV series on PBS, which
features Raiz Federal Credit Union staff and members have been honored with four prestigious social
impact awards:
● Platinum Viddy Award for Education
● Gold Viddy Award for Nonprofit
● Gold Viddy Award for Social Responsibility
● Silver Anthem Award for Global Social Impact in Film, Video, Television, or Show
The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people and organizations worldwide. The Viddy Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. It is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected awards programs in the video industry. “What’s remarkable about these awards is that they honor the service and care Raiz’s team provides to make a difference in members’ lives every day,” said Max Villaronga, CEO, Raiz Federal Credit Union.
The unscripted series, which filmed Raiz members and staff in El Paso from November 2023 to April 2024, is currently streaming on PBS. Veteran reality TV show director/producer Brian Spoor, known for Undercover Billionaire, 90 Day Fiancé, and Wahlburgers, brings humor, hope, and entertainment to Opportunity Knocks while it shows real people overcoming real financial problems that face many people in the country today.
“The most inspiring thing about Opportunity Knocks is that viewers can change their own lives by bringing the show into their own homes using The Opportunity Coach for free,” according to Spoor. Viewers can use The Opportunity Coach, which creates a unique plan for each user to make and keep more of their own money based on the person’s unique situation – just like the coaches provide to the families in the show. Viewers also have free access to the Gold dotCOMM Award-Winning search database, The Opportunity Finder, which connects users to local nonprofits to find solutions to their specific needs, including legal assistance, business start-up help, eviction prevention, affordable childcare and resume help. It even connects viewers to Raiz to eliminate high-interest credit card debt, reduce the payment on their auto loan, and eliminate payday loans. “We know our members need financial solutions,” said Max Villaronga, CEO, Raiz Federal Credit Union. “By participating in Opportunity Knocks Raiz was able to show our members they can come to us in their time of need.”
We are immensely proud of the work of Raiz staff in Opportunity Knocks and the courage our members showed by sharing their story with the country. If you know someone experiencing financial stress, or your family needs help, contact us, use the free tools provided by Opportunity Knocks or share the show. It removes shame and increases hope to see that financial struggle is common.
Watch Opportunity Knocks at the show’s official website www.opportunityknocks.net or PBS.
