CHICAGO — Somewhere in the city, a hidden treasure lies in wait.
Releasing a new clue every day, Chicago-based app developers Ross McNamara and Christopher Flint are hoping their "Hunt for Change" can channel the thrill of the chase into cash for a local philanthropy.
The prize? A coupon for a free T-shirt, and — for anyone who forked over a donation — a possible hefty cash prize.
McNamara and Flint are raising money for the Chicago Literacy Alliance, and they say more than 50 people have already volunteered. For every dollar they raise, they said, 10 cents will be added to the treasure pot. As of Thursday, the sum had reached $102.
McNamara said he's had the idea since growing up in St. Paul, Minn., whose Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt sends the city spelunking for medallions every winter.
"If people are willing to do it in -40 degree weather in the middle of January, I thought it could work in Chicago, when it's actually nice out," McNamara said.
As of Thursday, four clues had been unveiled on the Hunt for Change website.
After the treasure is found, McNamara and Flint said, they'll start a new hunt with a new beneficiary.
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