Host Committee Announces Fundraising Efforts to Benefit Hurricane Victims

Admission to CivicFest Waived to Promote Donations to Relief Effort

MINNEAPOLIS and SAINT PAUL, Minn., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee today announced several fundraising
efforts to benefit the victims of Hurricane Gustav, including waiving
admission for the remaining three days of CivicFest: A Very Minnesota
Celebration to encourage donations. The Host Committee, which produced
CivicFest and is hosting the 2008 Republican National Convention, will also
distribute information about how people can donate to the effort at all of
their official events.
"The goal of CivicFest is to foster and promote community involvement and
we hope that by making admission free, more people will choose to attend and
donate those dollars to help the people of the Gulf Coast," said Jeff Larson,
CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. "Whether it is $2 out
of a piggy bank or $200, we want to make it possible for everyone to
participate in the relief effort while also experiencing this amazing display
of civic engagement."
The Host Committee will donate the contributions to the following
organizations: Alabama Governor's Emergency Relief Fund; Florida Disaster
Fund; Louisiana Hurricane Gustav Relief and Recovery Fund; Louisiana Aidmatrix
Foundation; Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund; and Texas Responds.
CivicFest is a one-of-a-kind event being held at the Minneapolis
Convention Center. CivicFest features 35 innovative exhibits that highlight
Minnesota business as well as American history, democracy and the U.S
Presidency.
Previously, ticket prices for CivicFest were $15 for adults and $10 for
students, seniors (60+) and active-duty military; children under 8 were
admitted free. CivicFest will be open during the following days and times:
Tuesday, September 2 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday, September 3 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday, September 4 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is a non-partisan, 501c3
nonprofit charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of
Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008
Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community
leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to
Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit
www.msp2008.com.
SOURCE The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee

Teresa McFarland, Communications Director of The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008
Host Committee, +1-651-677-2980, +1-952-484-8088, tmcfarland@msp2008.com