Mayor answers skeptics about Oprah's Big Give contribution

Mayor answers skeptics about Oprah's Big Give contribution

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry expresses excitement about appearance of coach Tony Dungy at Saturday's community celebration for Oprah's Big Give.

Story Published: Apr 11, 2008 at 12:56 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 11, 2008 at 12:56 PM EDT

By Peter Neumann

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FORT WAYNE (Indiana's NewsCenter) --- Mayor Tom Henry has answered critics who question how the city can make a matching contribution of upo to $500,000 to Oprah's Big Give and the Fort Wayne Trails project when the city of Fort Wayne itself is facing budget cuts.

In an interview with Indiana NewsCenter's Ryan Elijah, Henry says the money has already been earmarked for the trail system and that money had been collected started even before he came into office. That is why the city can match up to $500,000 in donations. The Mayor stresses that the money is not property tax money, but rather public works money.

Big crowds are expected for the city-wide events all day, culminating with a celebration at Headwaters park beginning at 2 P.M.. That's where Colts coach Tony Dungy will be to greet attendees.

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