Over $250,000 raised for PA Food Banks
Mayors from the three largest cities in Pennsylvania joined together in New York City last night to raise money for food banks in their cities. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter hosted the Mayors Against Hunger fundraising event during PA Society weekend, a traditional series of social events attended by elected officials and business leaders from across the state. The cocktail reception was held at the Park Lane Hotel on Central Park South.
“We decided instead of the usual receptions, we might as well raise some money for a good cause,” said Mayor Pawlowski. “The response was overwhelming. We still got to mingle as usual, but at the same time raised money for our local food banks, who could always use more funding. It was very rewarding event.”
Mayor Nutter said, “Food banks are an important avenue for many families and individuals struggling with hunger and poverty. This was a unique opportunity to demonstrate our sincere commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals by hosting a fundraising event at PA Society. I am moved by the generosity of so many and am proud that the money raised will help food banks across the Commonwealth, including Philabundance.”
Each Mayor was charged with finding a local food bank in their city that was willing to participate. All proceeds from the fundraising event will go to these participating food banks. Second Harvest in Allentown, Philabundance in Philadelphia, and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank are just some of the organizations who received significant donations.
“I am proud of the support that Pittsburgh has shown for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank,” said Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto. “I am grateful to be able to take the opportunity to participate with many of Pennsylvania’s leaders to help those most in need.”
Several other Mayors participated as the host committee, including Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton, and Chester Mayor John Linder.
“This is a great addition to PA society,” said Mayor Linder of Chester. “We have all of these powerful people here, so we might as well bring our resources together and help our residents back home. Food banks are struggling to meet the increasing demand, and as leaders of our community, we need to help them in some way. This event will do just that.”
Over $250,000 was raised during the two hour event, attended by over 200 people.
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton echoed the sentiments. “What a great idea, to make one of these cocktail receptions so worthwhile. We have so many residents across the state who utilize our local food banks. I’m really proud that my fellow Mayors banded together to raise such a significant amount of money for such a worthwhile cause.”
Alan Jennings, Executive Director of Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, which runs the Second Harvest Food Bank, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. “Today’s mayors face extraordinary challenges,” he said. “It speaks to these mayors’ sense of compassion and humanity that they made this special effort to uplift their poorest citizens.”
Contact: Mick Dee
Media Coordinator
Friends of Ed Pawlowski
(610) 841-3733
