The Bank of America Chicago Marathon launched its first-ever digital fundraising program on Sept. 1, further extending the race’s annual philanthropic impact of generating $10 million for local, national and global charities.
“Our 2009 campaign demonstrates how the Bank of America Chicago Marathon makes a significant impact on not only the individual participants who aspire to achieve their personal best, but also to the more than 120 charities that benefit from the race as well as the economy in the host city of Chicago,” said Tim Maloney, Illinois State and Chicago Market President for Bank of America. “It's a source of great pride to know that through our involvement in this event we can continue to contribute to the economic, social and cultural vitality of the city and leave a positive mark on the lives of so many people.”
The digital fundraising program and advertising launch this month online, in print and outdoor to celebrate the 32nd running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11.
Fans everywhere are invited to customize a digital running shoe tread with a personal image and tailored message at www.chicagomarathon.com/footprint and select OE as the charity of choice. For each submission in which OE is selected as the charity, the Bank of America will donate $1, up to a maximum total contribution of $50,000. The completed digital footprints will be viewable on the event site’s home page.
On race day, the final results of the fundraising effort will be announced and an additional $10,000 will be awarded by Bank of America to the charity that received the most submissions on its behalf.
Fans interested in creating a digital footprint of their own should visit www.chicagomarathon.com or www.facebook.com/ChicagoMarathon where videos, training tips from elite runners and the latest Bank of America Chicago Marathon news are also available.
About Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.
Opportunity Enterprises is a not-for-profit organization that creates sustainable life choices for individuals with challenges and disabilities. Since 1967, OE has provided quality employment, enrichment, and residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities. More than 1,000 children and adults throughout Northwest Indiana receive services on an annual basis.
About Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The 32nd 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago’s Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. More information on the race and how to get involved is available at the event Web site, chicagomarathon.com.