SALT LAKE CITY — Utah as a whole can already be described as a gold medal winner, even years away from the Winter Olympics returning to Salt Lake City in 2034.
The Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Organizing Committee announced the Podium34 fundraising initiative, which has brought together philanthropic families from around the state, as well as several nonprofit organizations, in hopes of raising $300 million.
As of Monday's announcement, over $200 million has been raised by 22 donors, which organizers said is the largest-ever philanthropic campaign in support of an Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Watch full Podium34 presentation below:
It's a feat that several people emphasized had never been done before.
"You can go all the way back to Ancient Greece. We've done it, we've looked. Never happened before," Gov. Spencer Cox said.
Causes where the funds may be focused include: education, youth sports, mental health, arts and culture, community engagement, and "other priorities that capture the spirit of the Games," the committee said.
Donors include nine founding “Captains,” which include both the Miller family and the Eccles family, who donated $ 20 million each.
“That's part of our family, that's part of our culture, that's part of our DNA,” Spencer P. Eccles said following the presentation when asked why he and his family were among those leading the effort.
“If you've ever been to an Olympics, if you've ever taken part in an Olympics, it's unlike anything else,” added Steve Miller, the chairman of the Larry H. Miller Corporation.
The goal is to invest in Utah and the people who live in the state, who will carry the Olympic spirit even after the 2034 Games have passed.
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“As a native Utahn, I am proud of our state and have deep gratitude for these families and giving organizations,” said 2034 CEO and Vice Chair Brad Wilson. “In the true Utah way of service to others, they have stood up to support something that will have a positive impact across our state, but also to set an example for the world of the values for which our state stands.”
Many expressed great hope for the future of the games, but perhaps one of the greatest voices was that of newly elected International Olympic Committee President Kristy Coventry.
“You are sending a powerful message to the world that sport can inspire,” she said. "Communities can be lifted and we can build something greater than ourselves.”
So, with optimism for the future of unity on full display, Utah stands poised to go for gold in 2034.
“If any movement can do it, the Olympics can do that,” Miller said.
“Best games ever, best legacy ever, and inspire every young child in America and in the state of Utah to be something better than they are," Eccles added.
