Close

Chicago 2016 Bid Raises More Than $12 Million

According to a Chicago 2016 press release its celebration event Monday was a huge success, raising more than $12 million in support of Chicago’s 2016 bid. Chicago 2016 says the bid is now more than 80 per cent of the way to its bid-financing requirements, including the $49.3 million required to support the international phase of the bid.

The Chicago Tribune reports the money raised comes on top of $9 million in private contributions used to support the domestic phase of the bid, which Chicago won last year.

Co-hosts of the event were Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016.

Ryan, said, “this event truly showcased Chicago’s spirit and its support for the power of the Olympic Movement. Once we are able to successfully fund our bid, which we hope to do shortly, our focus will shift to leaving long term legacies for Chicago”.

Jim Scherr, chief executive of the U.S. Olympic Committee, was asked if more fund raisers will be needed and responded, “I think the fund-raising is something that is well on track and is not a concern that we have. This community has shown its support and its willingness not only to give philanthropically to the bid, but to support it with volunteerism and the will of the Community”.

About 2000 donors paid $500 or more per ticket to dine in tents at Millennium Park prior to a musical show later in the evening. During the event there were opportunities to sign up as a bid volunteer, donate to the bid, or purchase Chicago 2016 merchandise.

scroll to top