since the organizers lacked the funds, 25,000 lira, needed to hold the race, they consulted primo bongrani, an accountant at the bank cassa di risparmio and friend of the three organizers. bongrani proceeded to go around italy asking for donations to help hold the race. bongrani's efforts were largely successful, he had procured enough money to cover the operating costs. the money that was to be given out as prizes came from a casino in san remo after francesco sghirla, a former "gazzetta" employee, encouraged it to contribute to the race. even "corriere", "la gazzetta"'s rival, gave 3,000 lire to the race's fund.