A “very encouraging” response to a plea for donations has essentially ensured there will be a Route 66 Rendezvous in downtown San Bernardino, Calif., next month, reported the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin today.
“There’s no doubt we are going to have a rendezvous,” said Wayne Austin, president and CEO of the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Austin did not give specific numbers, but said the shortfall was quickly falling.
“Right now, the pace we’re rolling at is completely optimistic,” Austin said.
Just days ago, Austin told one newspaper that without an additional $36,000 in donations, the Sept. 13-16 classic-car event was in danger of being canceled. The funds are needed to cover police expenses after the cash-strapped City of San Bernardino filed for bankruptcy a few weeks ago.
The Route 66 Rendezvous regularly draws 500,000 people over the weekend, and generates an estimated $40 million for the local economy.