State Treasurer Hits the $100 Million Mark In Returning Money

• by State of Iowa Treasurer's Office

DES MOINES, IA (04/23/2009)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has reached a milestone - passing the 100 million dollar threshold in returning money. The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt was created in 1983 to return unclaimed property turned over to the state to the rightful owner. Since that time, more than 280,000 people have claimed money from the program.

"Returning money and other property to people has always been one of the best parts of my job. And with the current state of the economy, it is even more rewarding." stated Fitzgerald. "I have been told by numerous individuals throughout the years that they know of someone who has claimed money from the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. We will continue to reach out and reunite these assets with their rightful owners."

Dateline NBC is airing a special on April 26th and May 3rd called, "You Might Be Rich." This program will highlight how money becomes unclaimed and reunite people across the world with their money. "We had the opportunity to be a part of the show and return money to some Iowans," Fitzgerald stated. "I hope that this show will be a springboard for people to check and see if they have money waiting to be claimed."

For more information about the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, please visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com or contact the office via email at foundit@iowa.gov. Treasure hunters may also write to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319.