Credit: Pennsylvania Society
Gov. Tom Wolf has announced he is skipping the Pennsylvania Society in New York City.
Wolf, a Democrat, said through a spokesman that he plans to skip the swanky tradition that draws state politicos and high-powered business leaders to the Waldorf-Astoria in the Big Apple for the weekend. Instead, the governor is committing to donate $10,000 each to Philabundance, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and The Pennsylvania Society Scholarship Program. The governor and his wife will also spend time this weekend volunteering.
Wolf will attend a gala this weekend but one intended for a younger crowd of up-and-coming Pennsylvanians. The governor and first lady will be hitting the Pattison-Leader Ball in Philadelphia Saturday night. The event bring together young, civically minded and politically-motivated professionals for an evening to discuss the future of Pennsylvania politics and policy, said Jeffery Sheridan, Wolf’s spokesman.
The annual Pennsylvania Society dinner gala has been happening in New York City since it’s beginning 118 years ago. The tradition started as a way for politicians from all sides and business moguls from the Keystone State to interact and update their colleagues in the Big Apple. In recent decades, the Pennsylvania Society gala has become a must-attend social event for the rich and powerful in Pennsylvania. Last year’s gathering drew controversy due to protestors making entry and a speaking appearance by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Past years have drawn former President George H.W. Bush, Vice President Joe Biden and other high-profile guests from outside the state.
Gov. Wolf speaking in Middletown earlier this fall.
Credit: PA Internet News Service
This will mark the second year in a row that Wolf will not attend the Pennsylvania Society. Wolf along with some state lawmakers skipped the gathering last year due to the record-setting budget impasse.
While there have been calls to relocate the gala and dinner to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, organizers have said in recent years they plan to stay in New York City. Earlier this year, organizers announced the event will move to the Midtown Hilton while the Waldorf-Astoria undergoes a massive three-year renovation.
