FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bank of America Expands its Support of Local After-School Programming with
$500,000 Contribution in Conjunction with Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Donation Recognizes Mayor Richard M. Daley and Maggie Daley for Their
Contributions to City; Marathon Names Newly Established Annual Award in
Their Honor for Runner Raising Most Money for Charity Through the Marathon
CHICAGO - Continuing the charitable heritage of the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon, Bank of America today announced a $500,000 contribution to the
Chicago Youth Fitness Initiative (CYFI) in honor of Mayor Richard M. Daley
and Maggie Daley who have been longtime supporters of the marathon and
youth-oriented programming. Bank of America Chief Executive Officer Brian
T. Moynihan presented Mayor Daley with the bank's latest donation to
after-school programming in Chicago at a press conference today kicking off
the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which takes place this Sunday on the
auspicious date of October 10, 2010 (10-10-10).
Additionally, the bank announced the establishment of The Mayor Richard M.
Daley and Maggie Daley Award, which will be given annually to the marathon
participant who raises the most funds for charity through the Bank of
America Chicago Marathon.
"Bank of America is pleased to build upon Mayor Daley's and his wife
Maggie's commitment to Chicago's youth, and we thank them for their
partnership in this and so many activities," said Moynihan. "Through our
everyday lending, investing and giving, we are helping set opportunity in
motion across this great city."
The $500,000 contribution announced today expands the CYFI, which Bank of
America introduced earlier this year. The increased donation will enable
CFYI to reach many more children through additional after-school fitness
programs throughout the city to help keep them safe and active - especially
in the after-school hours.
The $324,000 donation Bank of America made to CYFI in March is now paving
the way to provide access to running and exercise programs for nearly 3,000
kids throughout Chicago. These programs are filling a critical need by
providing fun, energetic activities when the school day lets out.
"In my two decades in office, and as a lifetime resident of the city of
Chicago, I have watched the Bank of America Chicago Marathon continue to
contribute in a positive way to this city - both in economic growth and
support for the nonprofit sector," said Mayor Daley. "I particularly
appreciate what Bank of America has built with the Chicago Youth Fitness
Initiative, which provides innovative and constructive ways to improve the
quality of life for our city's young people and future leaders."
Drawing participants from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more
than 120 countries, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon attracts new
visitors to Chicago during a traditionally down period of tourism for
Chicago. This year's race reached the 45,000 participant capacity in a
record 51 days, closing a full month ahead of 2009, indicating the event's
continued strength as a draw for visitors from around the world who will
enjoy the city's hotels, restaurants and entertainment.
In addition, the most recent report by University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign's Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (R.E.A.L.),
which has studied the race impact on Chicagoland for several years, found
that the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will contribute nearly $150
million to the local economy.
From a charitable perspective, approximately 10,000 of the 45,000
registered participants for the 2010 race are raising money for more than
150 nonprofit organizations. It is estimated that these runners will
collectively raise more than $10 million for local, national and global
causes.
To download a high resolution photo from the press conference, go to:
www.chicagomarathon.com/mediaphotos
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 33rd year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of
America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 participants, including a
world class elite field and a world class elite wheelchair field, and 1.7
million spectators. As a result of its national and international draw, the
iconic race assists in raising $10 million for a variety of charitable
causes while generating a $150 million economic impact to its host city
according to a report by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's
Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (R.E.A.L.). The 2010 Bank of
America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park
beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 10. In advance of the race, a
two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention
Center on Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9. More information on
the race and how to get involved is available at the event Web site,
www.chicagomarathon.com.
www.chicagomarathon.com
###
|
