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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS--(Marketwired - Sept. 11, 2013) - BMO Harris Bank today announced its sponsorship of the Chicago Football Classic (CFC). The 16^th edition kicks off on Thursday, September 19, and culminates in the big game at Soldier Field between Morehouse College and Central State University on Saturday, September 21.

The CFC was formed in 1997 by a small local group of African-American businessmen - Larry Huggins, Everett Rand and Tim Rand - as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging African-American students to achieve their personal best in school and beyond. The CFC empowers them not only to complete high school, but also attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

"The Chicago Football Classic is a great opportunity for students in the City of Chicago to learn more about the college experience and is a wonderful way to celebrate our students as they begin the new school year," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "I am appreciative to BMO Harris Bank and the other organizations that support the Chicago Football Classic, and I will continue to consistently encourage our outstanding Chicago students to wo rk hard in school and focus on their education and other opportunities."

BMO Harris Bank is acting as co-title sponsor for all CFC activities that will happen around Chicago. These events give young people an opportunity to participate in positive and proactive initiatives to help them achieve educational excellence.

"We've been sponsoring the Chicago Football Classic for three years. We're proud to partner with an organization that has made great strides in support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These are important academic institutions that graduate many of the nation's African-American business, political and civic leaders," said Mark Furlong, President and CEO, BMO Harris Bank.

On Thursday, September 19, BMO Harris Bank will kick off the weekend-long schedule of events as the sponsor for the President's Reception at South Shore Cultural Center. The President's Reception honors past presidents of Morehouse College and Central State University.

"BMO Harris Bank, through its support as presenting sponsor of the 16th Annual Chicago Football Classic, promotes the educational tradition and excellence offered by the Historical Black Colleges and Universities. The Chicago Football Classic appreciates that competition is at the core of business, which is why we partnered with BMO Harris. As the host of the Chicago Football Classic, we are excited to continue to make this event a Chicago sporting and educational tradition. This year's game between Morehouse College and Central State University is sure to be a contest to remember," said Larry Huggins and Everett Rand, Co-Founders, Chicago Football Classic.

Chicago Football Classic events - which creatively showcase the talents, potential and accomplishments of students - are extremely popular among attendees. Families can participate in cultural, educational and other popular activities - including the Battle of the Bands. Students are able to take advantage of scholarship opportunities while attending the college fair, which will engage over 20 participating HBCUs. Game Day events will be held at Soldier Field on September 21.

BMO Harris Bank is donating tickets to Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Housing Authority, and other organizations to bring the excitement of the Chicago Football Classic to more Chicago families.

Tickets are still available to purchase. For more ticket and event details, please visit http://www.chicagofootballclassic.biz/index.html.

About BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 600 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, go to the company fact sheet. Banking products and services are provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. and are subject to bank and credit approval. BMO Harris Bank® is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with approximately 1,600 branches, and $549 billion in assets (as of July 31, 2013).