The goal has been reached: As of this weekend, 10,000 people have volunteered to help put on the Republican National Convention, said spokeswoman Teresa McFarland of the 2008 Host Committee.

The volunteers will provide information, transportation and other assistance to the delegates, visitors and media members coming to town Sept. 1-4 for the convention at the Xcel Energy Center. They'll be widely deployed, though, because visitors will be staying at hotels throughout the area.

The Host Committee still is encouraging others to sign up, because names will be added to the list until training starts near the end of July or early August.

The Host Committee also will soon formally announce that it's reached the $39 million fundraising goal that satisfies the contractual obligation made with the Republican Party. The committee still hopes to raise an additional $19 million.