Banking on Tyler Perry's pull

Bank of The Bahamas is tying its "stop dreaming, start driving" campaign to movie mogul Tyler Perry in a marketing thrust aimed at driving women to a car show – giving away four tickets to the official movie premiere of Perry's new movie.

"Bank of The Bahamas is pleased to join with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, GEMS radio, Colombian Emeralds and others to sponsor the premiere, Why Did I Get Married Too," said Vaughn Delaney, the bank's deputy managing director. "Everything about the movie clicked. Viewing the trailer, which is available online, the scenes of the beach in Eleuthera where most of the film was shot, the waters, the island, the architecture, the idea of vacationing in this slice of paradise, means fantastic exposure for The Bahamas.

"The bank really wants to support that kind of effort. Then there is the cast starting with Tyler Perry who is more than a screen sensation. He's a writer, director and producer of immense talent. Each of the stars, including Cicely Tyson, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Janet Jackson is outstanding. We are honored to be included in such company and to partner with Tourism and GEMS in this event."

Set for March 29 with an appearance by the star as part of its sponsorship, the bank will be awarding the tickets to the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association (BMDA) auto show March 26-27 at the Mall at Marathon. According to Delaney, no purchase is necessary to win the tickets.

"Just stop by the Bank of The Bahamas booth at the auto show and you can enter your name," he said. "Two winners names will be called on Friday and two on Saturday. Each winner will get two tickets."

The movie, Why Did I Get Married Too, is a sequel to the film that was the surprise box office hit of 2007. The sequel, to be released in theatres April 2, follows the lives of the same four couples who reunite on vacation only to find their patience and their marriages tested.

All friends are connected by an author and psychologist (played by Janet Jackson) who can fix everyone else's marital problems but her own. Sponsoring the premiere is part of the bank's growing corporate commitment to community that includes funding for literacy diagnosis and research, youth development, historic Nassau revitalization and numerous events and worthy charitable causes.