On Monday, Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 announced a major initiative meant to help raise some of the funds necessary to make sure those games are a success.

“Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 has unveiled a historic fundraising initiative, uniting key Utah philanthropic families and giving organizations together to support the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, while also addressing key sport and community causes,” a press release on the event said. “Podium34 is the first of its kind in scale and scope for an Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee.”

It was reported at the announcement that, thanks to the efforts of 22 families and organizations, over $200 million of the initiative’s goal of $300 million has already been raised.

Fraser Bullock, president and executive chair of Salt Lake City-Utah 2034, said Podium34 helps accomplish two things:

Photo Supplied, Salt Lake City-Utah 2034

“First, we lay the financial foundation to host great games in 2034 — this is essential,” he said. “Second, we open the door to be able to execute the first pillar of our vision, which is to elevate our communities, whether it’s youth sport or education or other initiatives that are so important to our communities. We don’t have to wait until 2034, we can start them now because of these great contributors to this cause.”

He said there hasn’t been anything quite like this initiative in the history of the modern Olympic Games.

“What you’ll hear described today has never been done before in the history of the games,” he said. “To have donations of this magnitude to an Olympic host has never happened before. This is a games first. In fact, as I was talking in the last several days with some of my friends at the IOC, they were astonished at Utah stepping forward in this manner. They understand that Utah loves the games.”

Bullock noted that the donations of Podium34 allow organizers to do work they’d have to wait years to start on.

“Under current contracts, we must wait until 2039 for any sources of revenue,” he said. “Our only source of revenue is donors. Without you, we would not be in business.”

Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Vice Chair and CEO Brad Wilson said the donors get what the games are all about.

“These are individuals and organizations that understand the momentum that we’re building today around opportunity,” he said. “2034 provides Utah with a really unique opportunity to impact and unify and speak to the world. It’s an opportunity for every Utahn in every corner of the state to be engaged. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase Utah’s amazing natural resources and it’s an opportunity for us to also showcase Utah’s family and community values.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said calling the day of this announcement “historic” is quite appropriate.

“I think the word ‘historic’ gets thrown around a little too much,” he said. “Everything’s historic these days, it seems. But in this case, it actually happens to be true.”

Other speakers Monday included Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Vice President of Development and Athlete Relations Catherine Raney Norman, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.

According to the press release, initial Podium34 donors have included:

Founding Captains ($20 million contribution)

• The Daniels Fund
• George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
• Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Foundation
• Huntsman Family Foundation
• Maverik
• Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
• John and Marcia Price Family Foundation
• Matthew and Tatiana Prince
• Ryan and Ashley Smith Foundation

Founding Donors ($1-15 million)

• The Andrus Family Foundation
• The Boyer Company
• The Coburn Family
• Gregory and Julie Cook Family
• Intermountain Health
• The Kahlert Foundation
• Frederick Q. Lawson Foundation
• Janet Q. Lawson Foundation
• Blake and Sandy Modersitzki Family
• S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney Foundation
• Blake and Nancy Roney Family