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10,000 volunteers line up for GOP convention; organizers ask for more
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Republican National Convention organizers said Monday that they have reached their goal of enlisting 10,000 volunteers
But they are still encouraging those interested in helping during the event to sign up.
Spokeswoman Teresa McFarland said organizers are compiling a reserve list that they can use to fill spots vacated when volunteers don't pass a background check or find they are unable to fulfill their obligation.
The Minneapolis St. Paul Host Committee also announced that it had met its goal of raising $39 million in cash and in-kind contributions as part of its contractual arrangement for the convention. That money covers such costs as of the temporary conversion of the Xcel Energy Center to a convention facility as well as some of the transportation expenses.
"While we are happy to meet our contractual obligations, we are actively continuing our fundraising efforts to reach our overall fundraising goal of $58 million," said Jeff Larson, CEO of the host committee. The remaining amount will cover such costs as preparing hospitality events for media and delegates and running CivicFest at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
McFarland said 10,000 volunteers are needed to work during the RNC, which runs Sept. 1-4 at the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul. The host committee reached its goal over the weekend after recruiting volunteers at the Mall of America and the Ramsey County Fair. They also recruited at Sen. John McCain's appearance Friday in Hudson, Wis.
McFarland said the list of finalists will be determined within the next two weeks. Those selected will be required to attend a training session scheduled for late July and August.
Volunteers will work in a number of capacities, including as greeters at the airport and providing assistance and information at the 102 hotels where delegates, members of the news media and visitors will be staying during the convention.
Volunteers also will staff booths and help at CivicFest, a 300,000-square-foot exhibit that will be open to the public. It will feature replicas of the Oval Office, AirForce One, a presidential limousine along with Minnesota business innovations.
tharlow@startribune.com • 612-673-7768
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