Chicago raised more than $70 million from private donors to fund its failed bid to host the Summer 2016 Olympics.
The city spent all but about $6.8 million, according to tax documents released this week. The remaining funds were donated to an organization that supports youth sports programs.
About $3.8 million of the funds covered payroll costs for members of the Chicago Olympic Bid Committee. The top contractors included Hill & Knowlton, which provided public relations services, and Ogilvy & Mather, which provided website services. The city also spent $736,025 on lobbying.
“Although unsuccessful in our attempt to bring the 2016 Games to Chicago, we believe the bid showcased the greatness of our city and its citizens to the world, and inspired tens of thousands of Chicago youth to become engaged in sport,” Chicago Olympic Committee chairman Patrick Ryan said in a statement. Ryan, the founder of Aon, did not receive compensation.
Chicago was knocked out of the bidding in the first round of voting in October. The games went to finalist Rio de Janeiro.
