Humana’s ’2009 GRANDparent of the Year’ to Win Family Vacation to an Orlando Theme Park

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Times may be tough, but a national effort has been launched to remind Americans with at least one grandparent in their families how rich they truly are.

“For the past several years grandparents have been playing an increasingly important role in helping America’s children and families, providing full-time care to millions of children,” says Christine Crosby, founder and publisher of GRAND magazine. “Now, with a major recession upon us, grandparents are bringing critical help and wisdom from hard times in the past to hold families together and keep them healthy. Recognizing grandparents’ value is more important than ever.”

Few Americans are aware that grandparents are the primary caregivers for nearly six million U.S. children. In fact, 75 percent of all non-parental care of children in America is now provided by grandparents. Millions more help their children and children’s children on a daily basis.

To focus the nation’s attention on this growing phenomenon and provide grandparents with the recognition they deserve, GRAND Magazine, Humana (NYSE: HUM), Orlando/Orange County Visitors & Convention Bureau, and the national children’s crisis charity KidsPeace are launching the fourth annual national search for an example of extraordinary care worthy of the title of GRANDparent of the Year. Any member of the American public can nominate a GRANDparent of the Year. Nominating forms are available online at www.grandmagazine.com. All nominations include a 150-word description of why the nominee deserves this honor. The GRANDparent of the Year will be honored with a five-day, four-night vacation for four to family-friendly Orlando, including air, hotel, rental car and tickets to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando or Universal Orlando plus admission to two of Orlando’s popular water parks and dinner at Arabian Nights. The top 10 finalists will receive a $100 gift certificate and their photos and essays of nomination will be published in the September issue of GRAND, The Online Magazine for GRANDparents, in time for National Grandparents Day on Sept. 13 and on www.grandmagazine.com. In addition, every grandparent nominated will receive a free subscription to GRAND Magazine.