Corporations and other groups are helping to pay for Alabama's 200th birthday party.
The Alabama Bicentennial Commission says more than $3 million has been donated to the foundation created to raise money for the celebration. The commission says donations are being used to pay for grants, exhibits and a bicentennial park at the Capitol but they will also pay for a closed-door event for state officials.
The program for the invitation-only event Friday at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center will include former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as a special guest of honor. “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard is scheduled to perform.