Time is running out for poet Bill Manhire, who has one day left to raise almost $200,000 to hit a million-dollar target set by a Las Vegas casino tycoon. Mr Manhire’s writing course, the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University, was singled out by American philanthropist Glenn Schaeffer. Mr Schaeffer issued a challenge for the institute to raise $1 million by December 31 – and has promised to match every New Zealand dollar raised with an American dollar, up to a maximum of $US1 million. It’s been a stressful but exciting two years since the offer was made, but Mr Manhire continues to be hopeful of hitting the $1 million target. He had been amazed by the generosity of donors – some who had given $5 and those who had donated thousands. Fundraising events, including a poetry reading by Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen, and sponsorships had helped bump the total up. The Dominion Post is a major sponsor. [More] [Victoria University of Wellington]

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