Philly Mayor Michael Nutter and his counterpart in Denver got some cooperate support to put a nontraditional twist on the traditional sports bet between the leaders from competing cities.
The customary mayors’ bet was made again as politicians pull a Pete Rose and bet on baseball. This time around Nutter bet Mayor John Hickenlooper that his home team Phillies would prevail over the Rockies in the NLDS.
But, surprisingly, no cheesesteaks were at stake this time around. And, no city money will be on the line.
Instead, the mayors used the competition as a way to help the homeless. A homeless social service agency in the winning city will receive $2,000 in corporate donations.
No matter who wins, the money will be given collectively by Citizens Bank, FirstBank in Denver and Philadelphia-based cable giant Comcast, which also operates in Colorado.
In Philadelphia, the money would benefit Project HOME -- in Colorado, Denver's Road Home would benefit.
“The Phillies-Rockies series will not only be an opportunity to see some great baseball but do some good for the community. Mayor Hickenlooper and I may not agree on which team to root for, but we are both committed to fighting homelessness. When the Phillies win, I look forward to collecting $2,000 for Project H.O.M.E.,” said Mayor Nutter.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
As for the games that will decide what city gets the help -- the best-of-five series starts Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
