
Unlike two of her predecessors, Mayor Betsy Hodges won't be charging guests to attend her first-term inaugural bash this Saturday.
Instead, donors are picking up the tab for the "One Minneapolis" inaugural celebration. They can give in unlimited amounts to a special political committee set up for the occasion.
Just who those donors are remains unknown. A spokesman for Hodges' transition, Aaron Wells, said they will release the full list of donors after the event. The IRS will eventually require disclosure this spring.
Those interested could also keep an eye on a side door of the Thorp Building at 5:30 p.m., where donors and other VIPs will gather for an exclusive reception preceding the official event (which starts at 7 p.m.).
Each council member has been given four tickets to attend that "Thank You Reception." It will feature valet parking, music, an open bar and hors d'oeuvres, according to a letter the council received from Council Member John Quincy.
While it's not uncommon for donors to bankroll inaugural celebrations -- St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman solicited recently for his inaugural -- past Minneapolis mayors have charged guests to cover most costs for their first-term kickoff.
In 2002, new mayor R.T. Rybak charged $125 a plate for dinner or $25 for dessert and coffee for his ball at the Minneapolis Convention Center. A transition spokeswoman said at the time that they hoped the ticket sales would cover the event cost.
In 1994, new mayor Sharon Sayles Belton charged $25 for her dinner and dance at the Minneapolis Hilton. "We priced it to be as affordable as possible, just to cover the dinner expenses," event chairwoman Marion Jones Kennon said at the time.