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Mayor Announces Fundraising Effort to Keep Pools Open

Mayor Nutter just unveiled the

» READ MORE: "Splash and Summer Fund" campaign

, a fundraising effort to keep an additional 20 outdoor pools open this summer.

"This is what community is about," Nutter said. "This is what people do when you have a crisis."

In November, Nutter said he would close 63 of the city's 73 outdoor pools as part of his budget cuts. But through this effort, he hopes to secure enough private funds to keep a total of 30 pools open.

So far, the city has raised $120,000 in funds for this year. If they hit $600,000 by March 1st, they can keep the 30 pools open three days a week for a six week season. If they get to $1.25 million by March 6th, they can keep the 30 pools open six days a week.

Recreation Commissioner Sue Slawson said she was confident the city would get to the $1.25 million goal. She thanked the donors so far, which include TD Bank, Tasty Kake, Caplin Family Charities, United Concordia and Ameri-Choice.

"We didn't have to pull strings, we didn't have to twist arms, we didn't have to beg," she said.

The city is seeking large and small donations for the effort, which will be collected and distributed by the United Way. Individuals can start at $10 if they want to chip in. Go to

» READ MORE: this website,

or call 215-665-2542.