Bill Clinton accepts Lisa Nutter's offers

Perhaps it is Bill Clinton's way of saying thanks.

On the night of April 28, the former president will deliver a tribute to Mayor Nutter at the annual spring dinner of the Anti-Defamation League of Eastern Pennsylvania and the Delaware Region.

Earlier that day, Clinton will appear at a fund-raiser cosponsored by the nonprofit Philadelphia Academies, whose president happens to be the mayor's wife, Lisa.

Nutter was one of Hillary Rodham Clinton's biggest supporters during her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, but it wasn't he who lured her husband to Philadelphia. It was his wife.

Before agreeing to honor Mayor Nutter, Bill Clinton had signed on to help Lisa Nutter's organization raise money for WorkReady Philadelphia, which focuses on internships for public high school students.

Clinton will make remarks after a panel discussion that about 150 people are expected to attend at the National Constitution Center. The event's cohost is CEO Ambassadors for 21st Century Skills, a committee of business executives who want to improve student education.

Why did Clinton say yes? Tricia Enright, the mayor's communications director, said it was because Lisa Nutter "asked him, and she's very persuasive."

"And then he was kind enough to join the ADL event to introduce the mayor," Enright added.

The mayor will be honored with the "champion of freedom" award for enhancing the quality of life in the region. Among the 400 guests will be Gov. Rendell.

The evening event will also be held at the National Constitution Center - the board of which, coincidentally, is chaired by Clinton.

Past dinner honorees include lawyer Ken Jarin, former Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Timoney, and Sen. Arlen Specter.