Reading Terminal Market Is Hosting a SummerGiving Fundraising Campaign

Reading Terminal Market Is Hosting a SummerGiving Fundraising Campaign

The Reading Terminal Market Corporation (RTMC), the 501(c)(3) non-profit that manages Philadelphia’s historic public market, has launched a new fundraising initiative, SummerGiving. The campaign offers three donation tiers with a range of benefits, all of which include exclusive access to A Night of Fresh Entertainment, a virtual event premiering on July 15 showcasing local artists, musicians, athletes, celebrities, and city leaders. An online Pop-Up Shop will also offer supporters a selection of unique experiences for purchase and opportunities to help fund Market and related community programs. This is the first fundraising initiative of its kind for the public market.

Donation tiers are:

• $25 which includes access to A Night of Fresh Entertainment
• $100 which includes access to A Night of Fresh Entertainment and a limited-edition RTM t-shirt
• $500 which includes access to A Night of Fresh Entertainment, a limited-edition RTM t-shirt, and a curated gift package of Reading Terminal Market products.  

 A Night of Fresh Entertainment will feature diverse performances including Philadelphia rock band Low Cut Connie and Orchestra 2001, a cabaret act from The Bearded Ladies, a tightrope performance from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, and “My Market Moments” a series of vignettes from Philadelphia celebrities, athletes, and other influencers sharing their Reading Terminal memories. 

 The SummerGiving Pop-Up Shop will include one-of-a-kind opportunities for supporters to experience such as Bassetts Ice Cream for a Year, a catered dinner by Fox & Son Fancy Corndogs, private behind-the-scenes tours of Reading Terminal, and the chance to dress up Philbert the Pig. Additional experiences will be added to the Pop-Up Shop throughout the summer.

 “This isn’t your typical fundraiser. We wanted to pay special mind to making it accessible to donors of all levels and avoid the Zoom fatigue that clouds virtual events. A Night of Fresh Entertainment is a fun take on typical online programming and our Pop-Up Shop allows us to reach our fans wherever they are. Our goal is to grow this fundraiser into an annual tradition that includes in-person festivities that takeover Filbert St. Until then, we hope fans of Reading Terminal will throw their own party and celebrate with us from home this year,” said Annie Allman, Reading Terminal Market CEO and General Manager. “COVID-19 had a devastating impact on small businesses across the country including Reading Terminal Market and its merchants. While the Reading Terminal Market GoFundMe campaign launched in October 2020 exceeded its goal of raising $250K, Philadelphia’s historic public market is still in need of community support so we can continue serving the city for another 128 years.”

 By participating in SummerGiving, donors are helping raise funds for preservation of the 128-year-old building including updating exterior entryways and interior building systems. Money raised will also support market research for Reading Terminal as the non-profit explores the most accessible and impactful ways to serve Philadelphia locals and visitors as the city emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific sponsorships such as helping to provide new building awnings, funding marketing campaigns, and supporting a partnership with Project HOME are also available via the Pop Up Shop.