Los Angeles, CA (December 9, 2024) |
In an exhilarating moment of triumph, Opportunity Knocks’ Cinderella nomination became an underdog victory, with the series shot in El Paso beating out network mega-hits including The Voice, Shark Tank, and American Ninja Warrior, to be named ‘Best Feel Good Show of the Year’ at the 11th Annual American Reality Television Awards (ARTAS). The awards ceremony, held at the iconic Avalon Hollywood, celebrates excellence in unscripted television. El Paso viewers can stream the ARTAS Awards to see Opportunity Knocks’ win on Roku, Pluto, and YouTube.
The series, including scenes featuring local resident, Nicole Landini, not-for-profit Raiz Federal Credit Union and nonprofit, Project Amistad, streams on PBS Passport, YouTube and OpportunityKnocks.net.
The award was presented by Tucker Des Lauriers (Big Brother Season 26) and Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), marking a historic first for a program airing on PBS and underscoring the groundbreaking nature of Opportunity Knocks. The show’s executive producers Jamie Strayer, Brian Spoor, and Jennifer George Hunter accepted the award praising the nonprofits, credit unions and courageousness of the families in front of a crowd that rallied behind the underdog series.
“Opportunity Knocks is inspired by the real experiences of people living paycheck to paycheck, both in El Paso and across the nation,” said Max Villaronga, President and CEO of Raiz Federal Credit Union, regarding the decision to participate in the series. The Opportunity Initiative offers viewers in El Paso and beyond practical tools to navigate their situations. “Raiz Federal Credit Union is genuinely here to help anyone, no matter their circumstances.”
Unlike its big-budget competitors, Opportunity Knocks delivers more than entertainment. The show’s financial empowerment tools, The Opportunity Finder and The Opportunity Coach, help viewers replicate the success that Nicole Landini achieved here in El Paso. Through compelling storytelling, it highlights community resources and strategies for families to move from financial struggle to health and wellness. “This win shows that the American people are ready for a reality series that changes the lives of viewers at home,” Strayer shared in a heartfelt acceptance speech as the creator of the series.
Across two seasons, Opportunity Knocks has featured 12 families, 17 nonprofits, and three expert financial coaches, including Jean Chatzky, a 25-year financial editor for NBC Today, and Patrice Washington, a former financial expert on the Steve Harvey Show, and Louis Barajas, named a ‘difference-maker’ by People Magazine en Español.
The series is distributed nationally by American Public Television (APT) in partnership with presenting station WXXI Public Media.
Broadcast footage of scenes shot in El Paso available by contacting: j.hunter@opportunityknocks.net
The meaning behind our name:
Spanish for root, our new identity grows from our heritage in the community. Grounded in the roots of our beginning with teachers, sharing a passion for knowledge and pursuit of growth. We inspire our members and employees to feel connected to our future potential together. We are rising and inviting people to move forward with us. As we look out to the light over the Franklin Mountains rising from El Paso, we look up and ahead to an even brighter tomorrow.
