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NBC's Tracie Potts ReportingTwo young sisters have come up with an exciting way to get kids interested in American history and at the same time help U.S. troops and their families.
NBC's Tracie Potts reports on the National Treasure Hunt.
This weekend's premiere of the NBC reality show "Treasure Hunters" isn't the only hunt underway. Ten year old Rachel and eight year old Kelsi Okun have created a hunt of their own, to benefit U.S. soldiers.
Rachel Okun / THANKS USA Creator / Age 10: "The spouses and kids are really keeping the families together. We just wanted to give them some support and tell them we're thinking of them."
These avid treasure hunters created a written and online contest called "Thanks USA." Players answer U.S. history questions to win prizes. The answers lead to one important clue, and the grand prize:
Rachel Okun / THANKS USA Creator / Age 10: "This is what you find at the end.."
A treasure chest filled with 100-thousand dollars in jewels. Diamonds, pearls, rare coins, all donated by a Virginia jeweler who says, as an immigrant, helping the troops is his duty.
George Adeler / Jeweler: "When you are welcomed by a country like yours in such a generous way and you have a chance to live your dream, you owe that country a lot, a lot of gratitude."
Tracie Potts / NBC News: "The treasure hunt raises donations and awareness for four million dollars in scholarships for military families. But the girls admit, convincing kids to do schoolwork over the summer hasn't been easy."
Kelsi Okun / THANKS USA Creator / Age 8: "Everybody's like 'I don't really wanna do this. It's too hard.' Then they're like: 'You can have it back.'"
But thousands have already signed up to play and help th troops. The girls say that's th real treasure.
The girls' used their parents' DC connections to solicit donations for prizes. Their mom is a top government trade official. Their dad is an NBC executive. ¤2 ]]
The contest started on Memorial Day and ends Labor Day.
