Herald-Sun saying it was David Mandie who pumped in the large donation
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Richmond Tigers on a mission * Jon Ralph
* From: Herald Sun
* March 19, 2011RICHMOND has laid bare the gap between mediocrity and premiership contention, revealing a top-two finish would attract in an extra $6.3 million in revenue.
The club said it was thrilled with Thursday night's Fighting Tiger Fund dinner, which raised $2.5 million.
But the club's projections, revealed at the gala dinner, underline the self-perpetuating cycle of success.
Richmond believes it must clear its debt to reach the higher rungs of the ladder and become financially bullet-proof.
A top-two finish would generate millions in merchandising, membership, reserved ticket sales and gate receipts.
Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said a top-two finish would drag in over $6.3 million, with even a top-eight finish earning the club an extra $1.8 million.
"It's a $6.3 million upside. If we improve, it drives the business," he said.
Thursday's total of $2.5 million was set up by significant public and private donations.
It's believed wealthy benefactor David Mandie - a key contributor to the Jack Dyer foundation - again tipped in a significant sum.President Gary March said yesterday he was amazed at the generosity of Tiger identities, including board members who had helped fund the Jack Dyer Foundation.
The club says the pre-season groundswell already has it as much as $400,000 above budget through membership sales.
"We are going to be pretty close to $2.5 million today, so it's a good start and we will keep chipping away," he said.
"We would like to get to at least $4 million this year, but we will do our best to get to $6 million if we can."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-tigers-on-a-mission/story-e6frf9jf-1226024324727
