If any sliver of doubt existed about the popularity of Reading Terminal Market following its leadership transition last summer, the guests who attended last month's annual Party for the Market fundraiser have definitively answered it.
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Approximately 1,110 people attended the gala last month, when the bustling market became a live entertainment venue with two stages, casino games and silent auction.
According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, Reading Terminal Market on Wednesday released the record-setting results of the fundraiser – more than $200,000 – and General Manager Anuj Gupta said he will use the money to fund capital improvements listed in this year's budget.
Among those projects, Gupta mentioned a redundant hot water boiler that will prevent merchants from running out of hot water and a water softener to keep the market's pipes from getting clogged by mineral buildup. He added there were other projects the market has yet to decide upon.
Last month, Reading Terminal Market announced that Condiment, led by Flying Monkey Bakery found Elizabeth Halen, will become its newest merchant some time around Memorial Day. As the market trends toward a focus on millennials, it also plans to enhance the technology in its space, starting with an overhaul of its 10-year-old Wi-Fi network.
Reading Terminal Market also received a $160,000 national grant last July to transform Filbert Street into a more lively and creative environment. Philadelphia-based design firm ex;it was selected to take the lead on the transformation, which will be completed by the end of 2016.