New polls show Harris ahead of Trump
According to new polls published over the weekend, US Vice President Kamala Harris is ahead of her Republican rival Donald Trump in the race for the White House.
Vice President Kamala Harris has decided to skip the Al Smith charity dinner scheduled for October 17 this year to instead focus on campaigning in a swing state.
The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a historic white-tie event traditionally attended by major party presidential candidates, raises money for Catholic charities. The annual event in New York City also features humorous pokes and jokes about politicians, especially during election season.
Former President Donald Trump confirmed in a Truth Social post on Monday that he would attend the event next month and that “it’s sad but not surprising that Kamala has decided not to attend,” before saying that Harris “certainly hasn’t been very nice” to Catholics. Harris’ absence is seen as a break with decades-long tradition as her campaign team seeks to maximize time in swing states as much as possible, according to CNN.
What is the Al Smith Dinner?
The Al Smith Dinner is an annual fundraiser in New York City that benefits Catholic charities and children in need. Named after the first Catholic president to run for president, it is widely considered to be one of the last events at which two major party presidential candidates meet before the election.
The first dinner was held in 1946. Since then, notable guests have included former Presidents Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy and George Bush, to name a few. The 2023 event had more than 900 attendees and raised over $7 million for charity.
When is the Al Smith dinner?
This year’s sold-out gala will take place on October 17th. It takes place annually in October.
Where will the Al Smith Dinner take place this year?
The 79th Annual Dinner will be held at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City.
How are the funds from the Al Smith dinner used?
According to the foundation’s website, funds raised from last year’s event (over $7 million) were used for camps, tutors, financial assistance for low-income mothers and assistance for foster children and children with special needs.
