Chicago 2016 Wraps Up Fundraising

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Aug 13, 2009 6:20PM

There's been more on Chicago 2016's plate than just conflicts of interest and the looming October announcement. Last night the bid committee held its final fundraiser and, though they drew a huge crowd, the Tribune reports that it also raked in the least amount of cash of all their fundraisers: $5 million.

The first major fundraiser, in March 2007, raised $9.4 million, and the second, in July 2008, raised more than $12 million. This fundraiser comes at a time of deep recession and at a point when the bid has met its main targets.

The Tribune report also breaks down overall funds raised by the bid committee. Last night's fundraiser doubled as the 2009 induction ceremony for new members of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, whose class included the 1992 Dream Team. While His Royal Airness wasn't present (previous scheduling conflict), former Bull/Jordan counterpart Scottie Pippen was there as well as numerous other members and inductees.