CHICAGO (March 7, 2005) - For the first time in history, an eBay auction determined who will assume the role of dyeing the Chicago River green for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Charter One Bank participated in the Great Chicago Fire Sale, bid on dyeing the Chicago River green and history was made.
In December, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs garnered national attention with the launch of the first-ever municipally sponsored eBay charity auction. The auction included many behind-the-scenes experiences in Chicago, including the opportunity to dye the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day. More than $242,000 was raised to benefit the Chicago Cultural Center Foundation, which presents close to 1,000 free fine arts programs to the public each year; Gallery 37, which has provided job training in the arts for more than 40,000 Chicago youths to date; and Cultural Grants, which awards funding to hundreds of Chicago artists and arts organizations each year in every Chicago community.
On Saturday, March 12, 2005, more than 200,000 Chicagoans are expected to gather and witness the event, set to take place at 10:45 a.m. before the St. Patrick's Day parade kicks off at noon. The dyeing of the river is best viewed from the upper level bridges along Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
"We're extremely excited to have the opportunity to be involved with such a time-honored Chicago tradition," said Tom Hollister, President & CEO of Charter One Bank. "This is a great way to give back to our community while helping support different cultural programs and participating in this wonderful celebration."
Following the ceremonial pour, Charter One representatives will have the privilege of marching in the St. Patrick's Day parade behind Mayor Daley.
Charter One will also treat two lucky couples to a two night stay at the Fitzpatrick Hotel, Chicago's only Irish-owned hotel.
About Charter One Bank, N.A.
After its August 31, 2004 acquisition by Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Charter One Bank, N.A., is a $49 billion bank operating in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York and Vermont. It has more than 700 offices and 1,030 ATMs. Charter One is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $131 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,580 offices, approximately 2,800 ATMs and approximately 24,000 employees in 13 states.