December 14, 2015
Jim Kenney won the mayoral election, but he's not done with fundraisers. During his inauguration on Jan. 4, he'll ask for money. The difference this time: the money will go to students.
As Newsworks reported, Kenney plans to invite around 1,500 of his closest supporters to the invite-only inaugural festivities at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Earlier in the day there will be a reception for the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia where each guest will be asked to donate at least $5,000.
"We wanted to partner with the Fund for the School District throughout this event because they provide grants directly to teachers in classrooms," said Kenney spokesperson Lauren Hitt.
The inauguration party itself will be free, although guests will be asked to donate to the fund if they can.
Outgoing mayor Michael Nutter's 2008 inauguration was held at the Navy Yard and open to anyone who could pay for a $50 ticket. In John Street's 2000 inauguration at the Academy of Music, he promised that fixing public schools would be a top priority. No doubt whoever the mayor is in 2024 will be striving for the same goal.
Kenney's inauguration will go for a block-party vibe. There will be food-struck-style refreshments and live music from students of the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Read the full story here.
Correction: A previous version of this story reported that guests at the inauguration will be required to donate to the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia. The inauguration is free and only guests at the earlier reception will be required to give a donation.
