Chicago 2016 has announced that it will host a celebration event on July 14 at Millennium Park to honor the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games and the U.S. Olympic team, as well as Chicago’s selection as a Candidate City in the bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The International Olympic Committee announced its Candidate City selections on June 4, bringing the city one step closer to the privilege of hosting the Olympic & Paralympic Games.

 The fundraising event, titled “Chicago Believes …,” will begin at 4:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Millennium Park and will feature demonstrations from Olympians, Paralympians and Olympic hopefuls from a variety of events.  Dinner for ticketed guests will be held at 6 p.m. and will feature international menu offerings from some of the world’s top chefs.

   
A variety show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion will begin at 8 p.m., celebrating great Chicago Olympic moments and will include performances by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Bandoleros, Hubbard Street Dance, the Anti-Gravity Boots Team, a local gospel choir and Chicago’s own world-class tenor Rodrick Dixon.  In addition to the ticketed seats there will also be free seating available for 7,000 people on the Great Lawn.

Also during the event there will be opportunities to sign up as a bid volunteer, donate to the bid and purchase Chicago 2016 merchandise. Food and drink concessions will also be available throughout the evening.

Co-hosts of the event will be Mayor Richard M. Daley and Patrick Ryan, the chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. 

Dinner tickets are available for guests starting at $500. There are limited seats available for the performance only for $100. Seats on the Great Lawn are free of charge.  Reservations can be made by calling (312) 578-2016.  More information is available at   www.chicago2016.org. 

About Chicago 2016
Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee’s board comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO.