The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
King of Prussia District hosting annual dining, shopping week
The combined events raise money for CHOP
UPPER MERION » The arrival of spring means it is almost time for the King of Prussia District’s annual shopping and dining week.
This year’s event is scheduled for April 4-10 and will feature lunch and dinner deals from some of King of Prussia’s restaurants and retailers.
The weeklong event is actually a combination of two events: KOP Restaurant Week, which was launched in 2014, and KOP Shops for CHOP, launched in 2019. Both events raise money each year for the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania’s King of Prussia campus.
“What started as a simple restaurant week eight years ago has blossomed into a community-wide effort to support CHOP,” Eric Goldstein, president & CEO of King of Prus- sia District, said in a statement. “Despite a difficult year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our business community. If ever there was a perfect time to visit King of Prussia for a great meal and world-class shopping, it is this week!”
Since its inception, the dining and retail week has raised $220,894. In 2021, a total of $68,484 was raised, according to Rachel Ammon, marketing and communications director for the King of Prussia District. She added that there is not a specific dollar goal for this year’s event — except to “beat the prior year’s total.”
Every year, with the exception of 2020, the event has raised more than the year before, she said, adding that 2020’s event was held at the same time stay-at-home orders were issued due to COVID-19. Despite the closures, the 2020 event raised $40,000.
According to the district, there is renewed excitement around the week-long event now that the Middleman Family Pavilion at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, King of
Prussia.
During KOP Restaurant Week, fine dining restaurants offer special prix-fixe two-course lunches and/or three-course dinners, with 2.5% of proceeds being donated to CHOP.
Fast-casual/quick service restaurants designate a day (or days) to serve as their donation day and also choose the percentage that they would like to donate to CHOP. The retailers also select their day (or days) and percentage. Some fast-casual restaurants and retailers also offer additional discounts during their chosen day.
Ammon said reservations are strongly recommended for fine dining restaurants. A list of participating businesses, menus and donation days can be found at KOPRestaurantWeek.com.
The fundraising efforts are not limited to only restaurants and retailers. Over the years, according to Ammon, the district has added various components to the campaign.
“In 2020 we added a facet called the Community Champions program where companies that are not restaurants or retailers can donate. We still have this program going today,” she said in an emailed response to questions, adding that some make flat donations, while others host fundraisers. “It’s truly a communitywide event at this point.
This year, Upper Merion Area School District will host a district-wide pajama day on Tuesday. April 5.
Two new components have been added for this year, a Facebook Fundraiser and Raffle and a Block Party for CHOP.
The raffle runs through March 31 where three raffles are being held on the King of Prussia District’s Facebook page, each with grand prizes totaling more than $1,800. One winner will be selected on April 1 for each prize. The goal, according to Ammon is to raise at least $6000 through these raffles.
The block party is scheduled for April 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Main Street in King of Prussia Town Center. Main Street will be closed to accommodate the block party. The event is free, but a $5 per person donation is suggested, with 100% of the proceeds going to CHOP. The block party will feature inflatable carnival games, face painting, balloon twisting, music, a craft, fire trucks, magic and characters.
“In addition to raising money for an incredible resource for families in the region (and the country), KOP Restaurant Week is a great chance to try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite for their special menu,” Ammon said.
King of Prussia District is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, special services organization that engages, public and private partners to collaboratively improve the economic environment in King of Prussia. For more information visit KOPRestaurantWeek.com and visitKOP.com