Graham NY Crusade Budget Not Yet Met

Evangelist Billy Graham's recent New York crusade has met about 60 percent of the projected budget, but a crusade official said he's confident that donors will provide the necessary money to cover all costs.

Evangelist Billy Graham's recent New York crusade has met about 60 percent of the projected budget, but a crusade official said he's confident that donors will provide the necessary money to cover all costs.

Director of Graham's Greater New York Crusade, Art Bailey, told Religion News Service that the New York local crusade committee has raised $4.2 million, just over 60 percent of a projected $6.8 million budget.

In the past, some crusades have been entirely paid for before the event began or by the time it concluded, but in other cases the budget has not been met until later. The costs of crusades held in 2003 and 2004 have averaged about $4 million.

"Most crusades we are further along," Bailey said July 21 of past fundraising efforts.

The New York crusade budget is the largest Graham's organization has had in North America.

Bailey cited several factors that could have contributed to the budget situation for the late June crusade. For one thing, the final decision on the Flushing Meadows venue in Queens, was made much later than for most crusades; outside location required expenses not incurred with indoor arenas, including the rental of 70,000 chairs.

In addition, Graham's health might have prompted some donors to hold off on donating because they were not certain he would appear. He suffers from Parkinson's disease and other illnesses.

Nonetheless, Bailey is confident all bills will be paid. He is contacting donors to ask for help for the anticipated additional bills.

"We've never had any city where we've left a bill not paid," Bailey said. "We still have donors that know of our need and are sending money. We believe that through the sovereignty of God, we're going to see the money come in."