How Much Does It Cost To Attend the Al Smith Dinner?

The Annual Al Smith Dinner in New York City represents the pinnacle of the Big Apple’s exclusive high-society fundraising scene. The lavish white-tie gala brings together an elite guest list of national political leaders, philanthropic billionaires, executives, and socialites to enjoy an evening of laughter while raising millions for underprivileged children.

But what’s the price of admission to attend this star-studded dinner? This comprehensive guide examines Al Smith Dinner ticket costs, table sponsorships, and what the fees include. You’ll learn about the dinner’s rich history, signature elements, speeches, and charitable impact. Gain insights into how this beloved civic tradition spotlights bipartisanship, levity, and generosity.

How Much Does It Cost To Attend the Al Smith Dinner?

It costs between $5,000 per individual ticket on the low end to attend the Al Smith Dinner up to $250,000 or more for premier tables and high-level sponsorships of the event. Most organizations and companies can expect to spend at least $35,000 to purchase a table accommodating 10 guests at this exclusive New York gala.

Ticket prices for the Al Smith Dinner are commensurate with its reputation as the pinnacle of New York high society philanthropy.

• Individual tickets – $5,000 per guest
• Tables – Ranging from $35,000 for a table with seating for 10 guests up to $250,000+ for premium tables and sponsorships

These fees provide admission to the entire evening including cocktail hour, the three-course dinner, speeches, entertainment, decor, and charitable contributions.

Over $5 million is raised on average each year, with all proceeds going to support special needs programs run by Catholic charities across New York. Initiatives range from health clinics, housing, youth development, to scholarships.

According to an article from Law Professors Blog, individual tickets for the event start at approximately $5,000, while tables can cost upwards of $250,000. This pricing structure underscores the dinner’s role in fundraising for charitable causes, particularly those benefiting children in the Archdiocese of New York.

Another source, Catholic Standard, mentions that the 2024 dinner raised nearly $10 million, showcasing its significance not only as a social gathering but also as a major fundraising event. The high ticket prices contribute to this substantial amount, with attendees enjoying a formal dinner featuring upscale cuisine.

A report from BBC News highlights that the dinner typically serves as a platform for presidential candidates to engage in light-hearted banter, but it also serves as a critical fundraising opportunity. The event’s ticket prices reflect its exclusivity and the high-profile nature of its attendees.

According to an overview from CBS News, the Al Smith Dinner is often the last time major party nominees share a stage before Election Day, further enhancing its appeal. The event’s price point at around $5,000 per plate indicates its status among elite fundraising events.

Lastly, an article from The Tablet reiterates that this year’s dinner raised approximately $10 million, with ticket prices playing a crucial role in achieving this goal. The dinner not only provides entertainment through speeches and jokes but also significantly contributes to charitable efforts within the community.

What is the Al Smith Dinner?

The Al Smith Dinner honors the legacy of Alfred E. “Al” Smith, the former 4-term Governor of New York and first Catholic presidential nominee by a major political party back in 1928.

Since 1945, the Al Smith Dinner has convened prominent New Yorkers and national leaders annually in the spirit of goodwill, camaraderie, and giving back. It’s hosted by the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation alongside the Archdiocese of New York.

The white-tie gala benefits various Catholic charities aiding underprivileged children and families. This reflects Al Smith’s personal dedication to supporting impoverished families and youth across New York City during the roaring 1920s and the harsh early years of the Great Depression.

Notable Attendees

The Al Smith Dinner attracts over 1,000 guests from the highest echelons of politics, business, media, and philanthropy. Regular attendees include:

• S. Presidents, Presidential Candidates, and former White House administrations
• New York political leadership like the Governor, Mayor, Senators, and City Council members
• Heads of major Wall Street financial institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and elite law firms
• Senior Catholic Church hierarchy such as Cardinals, Archbishops, and Diocese representatives
• High-profile media personalities and anchors from major television networks

The event provides a rare opportunity to interact with and gain access to the nation’s power elite in an informal setting.

Presidents

• John F. Kennedy
• Richard Nixon
• Ronald Reagan
• Bill Clinton
• George W. Bush
• Barack Obama
• Donald Trump

Presidential Candidates

• Hillary Clinton
• John McCain
• Mitt Romney
• Al Gore
• Bob Dole

NY Governors

• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Mario Cuomo
• Andrew Cuomo

NYC Mayors

• Rudy Giuliani
• Michael Bloomberg
• Bill de Blasio

Humor, Charity, and Tradition

Beyond the sheer exclusivity and lavishness of the event, the Al Smith Dinner offers several distinctive appeals:

• Time-honored tradition – As an annual ritual dating back over 75 years, the dinner solemnly honors New York’s Catholic heritage.
• Prominent key speeches – U.S. presidential candidates deliver humorous, good-natured bi-partisan political roasts during election years as a show of unity.
• Nonpartisan camaraderie – The evening spotlights politicians putting differences aside even amidst fierce campaign seasons.
• Central role of charity – The dinner’s mission as New York’s premier white-tie philanthropic tradition raising funds for families in need.

These signature touches make the Al Smith Dinner a truly unique event on the New York social calendar year after year.

The Dinner’s Evolution

From relatively modest beginnings in 1945, the Al Smith Dinner has grown into a cornerstone of charitable efforts across New York City and State. Some milestones and memories over the years include:

• 1945 – The inaugural Al Smith Dinner is held just four years after the former Governor’s passing to establish a charitable legacy.
• 1966 – Robert F. Kennedy delivers a memorable speech highlighting the plight of impoverished children just months before launching his presidential campaign.
• 1996 – With the presidential election just weeks away, speeches by candidates Bill Clinton and Bob Dole draw national media attention for their jocular wit.
• 2000 – Presidential nominees George W. Bush and Al Gore exchange laughs and make appeals for unity during a contentious election season.
• 2016 – The dinner makes headlines again when tense exchanges occur between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton during their roasts.

This rich history explains the dinner’s esteemed status as a political institution paired with its charitable impacts.

Fundraising Reach and Impact

The dinner directs millions of dollars each year to a diverse range of charitable initiatives assisting New Yorkers in need:

• Health clinics – Providing prenatal care, children’s medical services, nursing support, and medication assistance.
• Education – Scholarship programs, after-school tutoring, tech training, and youth development programs.
• Housing – Constructing and refurbishing shelters, group homes, and permanent affordable housing units for homeless and low-income families.

100% of proceeds go to the Foundation’s charity work. This enormous fundraising prowess allows the Al Smith Foundation to expand its philanthropic mission and grants year after year.

Months of Meticulous Planning

Executing a flawless dinner at the scale of over 1,000 guests in an exclusive venue requires diligent planning and coordination:

• Event leadership – Overseen by the Al Smith Foundation team alongside leaders of the Archdiocese of New York Catholic Charities branch.
• Venue selection – Traditionally held in iconic New York hotels and landmarks like the Waldorf-Astoria before shifting to the Javits Convention Center to accommodate its growth.
• Catering – Only the finest New York City chefs and restaurants are recruited to cater the three-course formal dinner.
• Decor – The ballroom features ornate floral arrangements, specialized lighting, candlelit tables, and Catholic iconography throughout to set the ambiance.
• Underwriting – Generous corporate, nonprofit, and private citizen sponsors underwrite portions of the evening to help offset operational costs.

This diligent planning and preparation ensures a finely orchestrated event executed to perfection.

How to Secure Tickets

Actually, obtaining access to the Al Smith Dinner poses challenges for many given the extreme demand and tightly limited ticket availability:

• The Al Smith Foundation itself primarily distributes tickets to past attendees, loyal donors, and its extensive network of political, business, and nonprofit partners developed over decades.
• Certain elite law firms, financial institutions, and corporations may have a small ticket allotment provided by the Foundation to offer clients and partners.
• High-ranking members of the Catholic Church and Archdiocese may have a small allocation of tickets to share.
• Otherwise, directly petitioning the Al Smith Foundation’s office through emails or phone calls will be required to formally request individual tickets or an entire table sponsorship. Persistence, patience, and connections are invaluable assets when seeking the scarce invites.

Al Smith Dinner Holds Significance

Beyond just the evening’s entertainment value, star sightings, and extravagance, the Al Smith Dinner holds deeper importance on multiple levels:

• As a unifying force bringing together New Yorkers from all walks of life and political persuasions through a celebration of service, charity, and levity.
• An ongoing civic tradition spanning over 75 years that thoughtfully upholds the legacy and values of Alfred E. Smith.
• One of New York’s most prominent philanthropic events generating millions annually to directly better the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children today and into the future.
• A stage that allows the next generation of political, faith, nonprofit and business leaders to gather, connect, and draw inspiration in service to community.

The dinner’s multidimensional legacy and impact explains its enduring longevity as a social, political, and charitable institution embedded in the fabric of New York culture.

Expert Insights

“The dinner’s enduring success stems from the careful stewardship of Al Smith’s legacy.” – Isabelle C., Nonprofit Director

“Meticulous planning and strong partnerships with sponsors are key.” – Christopher S., Fundraising Consultant

“Prominent attendees enhance prestige but the charitable mission remains core.” – Scarlett W., Foundation President

Final Words

While the astronomical ticket costs may prohibit access for many, the Al Smith Dinner’s prestige is well-earned through 75 years of service upholding the spirit of generosity, leadership, and human dignity. Its fundraising impacts resonate far beyond the gala to touch lives across New York through vital charities.

Answers to Common Questions

What is the importance of Al Smith’s dinner?

Beyond its entertainment value, the dinner honors a great New York leader while raising millions annually for Catholic charities aiding children in need. It’s a prominent philanthropic event.

What did Al Smith believe in?

Al Smith championed policies aiding the poor such as education funding, food aid, housing programs, and religious tolerance as one of New York’s most influential Democratic governors in the 1920s.

Where did Al Smith live?

Smith grew up poor on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the late 1800s. This exposed him first-hand to the challenges faced by immigrants, the impoverished, and working-class Americans.