At the All-Star Break, Providian Financial's K's For Kids Program Raises $22,750 for Bay Area Children

Business Wire, July 14, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO -- First graph, first sentence of release should read: Midway through the 2005 Major League Baseball season, two-time all-star pitcher Jason Schmidt and his San Francisco pitching team mates have earned $22,750 for two Bay Area children's charities (sted $222,750).

The corrected release reads:

AT THE ALL-STAR BREAK, PROVIDIAN FINANCIAL'S K'S FOR KIDS PROGRAM RAISES $22,750 FOR BAY AREA CHILDREN

At Midseason, Player/Spokesman Jason Schmidt Has Chalked up 88 Strikeouts, Total is 455 for All San Francisco Pitchers

Midway through the 2005 Major League Baseball season, two-time all-star pitcher Jason Schmidt and his San Francisco pitching team mates have earned $22,750 for two Bay Area children's charities. Through the support of Providian Financial (NYSE:PVN) and its K's for Kids program, the Koret Family House and the South of Market Child Care Center have shared the $50 for each of the Orange and Black pitcher's 455 strikeouts so far this season.

"Through this partnership with Providian, my goal is to support kids and their families who need a hand," said Schmidt. "Every night that I am on the mound, the K's for Kids program is on my mind and this year every strikeout feels even better thanks to Providian and this great program."

Providian has teamed with Schmidt and the Giants Baseball Radio Network flagship station KNBR 680 to promote K's for Kids. Throughout the season, radio spots, featuring Schmidt, air during the broadcasts, and play-by-play announcers acknowledge and update the K's for Kids totals. Schmidt has also pledged to donate $100 to the National Brain Tumor Foundation for every strikeout he throws this season. He has pledged $8,800 thus far and is hopeful that the rest of the season is even more successful.

"Providian is very proud to support childcare programs around parts of the country, especially in the Bay Area," said Warren Wilcox, vice chairman of Planning and Marketing for Providian. "Jason and his teammates are helping us make a positive impact on our local youth. We'd love nothing more than to see the team record a lot more K's - and hopefully some W's - in the second half of the season."

Providian and its employees are involved in the San Francisco Bay Area through a variety of initiatives, including another sports-related social marketing program Touchdowns for Tots, which provides a donation to designated area childcare centers for every Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers touchdown scored during the regular NFL Season. The Company also has a Touchdowns for Tots program with the Dallas Cowboys, which is supported by Providian's Texas employees.

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.