Give Thanks for Grandparents Winner

"I am writing this on behalf of my children. My mother, a registered nurse, who is the grandmother to my three daughters is by far the most selfless individual I have ever met. She retired early in order to be the daycare provider for my first daughter. And when my wife had a seizure during the premature birth of my twin girls, my mother took over the as the primary caregiver for my first daughter while I spent my time at the hospital with my wife and twin girls."

Submitted by her grandchildren, one year-old Nicoletta, four week old twins Sophia and Olympia, and son George

National Survey Also Reveals Barbara Bush Is America’s Favorite Famous Grandparent

Nov. 26, 02 - After tallying thousands of votes submitted via the Internet, retired nurse Nicoletta Kalavantis, of Boston, Mass., has won the national “Give Thanks For Grandparents” contest, according to CEIVA Logic and iGrandparents.com, sponsors of the contest.

It was designed to highlight the importance of grandparents in America and to promote awareness of the “remarkable contributions” they make, where more than 45 percent of families live more than 200 miles from their grandparents.

Selected from among 10 finalists who were recognized for their heroism, mentorship and caregiving, Kalavantis’ decision to retire from nursing to provide full-time care to her son’s three children when her daughter faced serious medical issues won the hearts of more than 28 percent of voters nationwide.

“I don’t know how I could have done anything differently.” Kalavantis said. “I love my grandchildren, and would never think twice about helping them. It’s wonderful to receive recognition for helping my family.”

Kalavantis and the four runners-up are featured on www.ceiva.com. The contest winner receives a prize worth more than $2000, which includes a CEIVA Family Package of four CEIVA Digital Photo Receivers, each with a five-year subscription to the CEIVA Network. Each of the four finalists receives two CEIVA Digital Photo Receivers, each with a five-year subscription.

The national survey results showed that more than 64 percent of contest voters also selected Barbara Bush as their favorite famous grandparent over Paul Newman (11 percent), Mick Jagger (10 percent), Kirk Douglas (5 percent) and Joan Rivers (2 percent). Write-in candidates included George W. Bush, Bill Cosby, Queen Elizabeth, Jimmy Carter and Sally Field.

The survey also revealed that:

- 45 percent value their grandparents’ trustworthiness over other

qualities, including their perspective and advice;

- 77 percent prefer to communicate with grandparents in person,

versus by phone or mail;

- And to best improve their grandparents’ lives, 40 percent would

visit more, while 31 percent would send more photos or gifts.

CEIVA Logic Inc. (www.ceiva.com), the leading provider of digital photo receivers, and iGrandparents.com, the leading Web site devoted to the passion of grandparenting, launched the national contest in October inviting grandchildren and their families to submit their grandparents as contestants. On November 11, a panel of judges selected the ten finalists, and America was asked to vote on their favorite grandparent. In addition, voters were asked to name their favorite celebrity grandparent, the best way to communicate with their grandparents, what they most appreciate about their grandparents, and how they can best enhance their grandparents’ lives. More grandparent stories, information about the contest and the survey can be found at grandparents.ceiva.com.

“Today, many children live without much interaction with their grandparents,” said Dean Schiller, CEO of CEIVA Logic. “We created the contest with the hope that it would bring attention to the vital roles that grandparents play in American families. Nicoletta Kalavantis’ heartwarming story of self-sacrifice for the benefit of her family is a wonderful example of the importance of a grandmother.”

Four National Finalists are:

Catherine & Thad H., Hollywood, Md.

Gave perspective to life by sharing simple and memorable experiences, from hobbies to watching the first moon landing.

Billie B., Jacksonville, Texas

Took in her granddaughter, Vikki, during her troubled teenage years, showing acceptance and encouraging talents others ignored.

Rose S., Queens, NY

Helped her daughter raise two boys, supporting their material and emotional needs.

Preston H., Carthage, Texas

Taught his grandson courage in the face of despair, and depth of family love, through eyes of a great-grandfather.

About CEIVA Logic, Inc.

CEIVA Logic is a Burbank, Calif.-based company founded in August 1999. Its mission is to develop and market products and services, like the CEIVA Digital Photo Receiver, which enhance the lives of its customers and the people they care about. The CEIVA Digital Photo Receiver allows users to receive and display new digital photos of their families every day, without a computer. CEIVA Digital Photo Receiver is available nationwide at Discovery Stores, Ritz Camera, and other retailers, and online at www.amazon.com, and at www.ceiva.com. For more information, visit www.ceiva.com.

About iGrandparents.com

Recognized as a “Hot Site” for today’s baby boomer grandparents by USA Today.com, iGrandparents.com helps people celebrate the joy of grandparenting. Its goal is to enrich the lives of its expanding membership, over 262,000 strong, and to enhance the time grandparents spend with grandchildren by providing fun, educational entertainment, and a wealth of information, ideas, advice and support. For more information, visit www.iGrandparents.com.