"Phanny Test" Results Are In as The Kimmel Center Chooses a Chair
RPAC Launches "Take A Seat" Campaign
October 27, 2000
Best Arm Rests, Best Seat, Best Looking and Most Comfortable -- the ballots have been counted and the best seat in the house will soon be installed in the new Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Phamous Philadelphians Pat Croce, Patti LaBelle, the Phillie Phanatic and Ben Franklin led a crowd of great numbers in testing sample auditorium-style chairs in a "Phanny Test" in September outside the Bellevue on Broad and Walnut Streets. The overwhelming choice was chair "C" -- a plush red velvet seat manufactured by Irwin Seating Company, Inc. of Canada.
"Feedback from the community is vital to the success of a project like The Kimmel Center," said Stephanie W. Naidoff, president of the Regional Performing Arts Center. "The Phanny Test was wonderful thanks to the scores of people who came to cast a vote and share their comments. We're thrilled that so many Philadelphians are behind this exciting project!"
RPAC is now launching the "Take A Seat" campaign designed to help raise funds for Philadelphia's new world-class performance space. For a commitment of $15,000, contributors to "Take A Seat" will be honored with an engraved plaque permanently secured to a chair in the Concert Hall or Recital Theater. A gift of $25,000 "names" a pair of seats. Other benefits will include permanent recognition in the Kimmel Center Lobby, advance ticket purchase opportunity during the inaugural year for Center presentations, and an invitation to participate in the opening gala. The campaign is chaired by RPAC Board members David J. Berkman and Molly D. Shepard.
The Kimmel Center, the future home of The Philadelphia Orchestra, is scheduled to open on December 14, 2001.
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