Philadelphia, PA (February 20, 2015) – The World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, the independent 501(c)(3) established to plan and stage a major international Congress addressing issues facing the family worldwide that will include a Papal visit in September 2015, confirmed today that a total of $30 million in cash and in-kind donations has been pledged to date in support of this historic gathering. This news was initially shared by Daniel J. Hilferty, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross and a Co-Chair of the Executive Leadership Cabinet, in a briefing provided to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on Thursday, February 19.

Current pledges put the fundraising effort at 67 percent toward the estimated budget – and fundraising goal – for the World Meeting of Families of $45 million. This figure reflects the extensive operational needs required to host the event, notably safety and security, technology, transportation, infrastructure enhancements/support and labor. Costs for certain aspects of the event will be determined when the planning team receives a formal itinerary from the Vatican of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia in September 2015. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) estimates the regional economic impact of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and Papal visit to be more than $418 million.

“Wonderful generosity and great enthusiasm for the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis have defined our initial fundraising efforts,” said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. “From those supporting this event, we have often heard about the fundamental importance of the family in strengthening our communities at-large, and regardless of faith, all have expressed a desire to support the institution of the family, which is the cornerstone of our society. There is also great excitement about the visit by Pope Francis and how his presence in Philadelphia next September will bring people of all faiths together in conversation, service and ultimately, love.”

No further details related to the fundraising efforts for the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 will be shared at this time. A more formal update, with acknowledgement of donors, will be planned at the conclusion of the campaign.

Sponsored by the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for the Family, the World Meeting of Families is a triennial global event that seeks to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe and highlight its intrinsic value to the good of society and will welcome Pope Francis to the United States for the first time in his Papacy. Being held in the United States for the first time ever, the official theme for the 2015 World Meeting of Families is “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”

For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September 2015, please visit www.archphila.org or www.WorldMeeting2015.org.

About the World Meetings of Families
Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747