He then went to the Equitas Health Red gala at the Masonic Temple. The event raises money to prevent and fight HIV/AIDS in Ohio.
“There are people in Dayton, New York City and other cities creating change with their actions,” de Blasio said. He praised the attendees at the gala for their work.
The mayor joked about having to go to a lot of galas in New York, but he was impressed with the tables and the design at Red.
“Dayton is showing up New York City,” he said.
He said when it comes to presidential politics “Ohio is the center of the universe.”
De Blasio said Saturday was his first time in Dayton.
“People are really friendly here. I love what I see here tonight. I have a very favorable impression so far.”
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley brought de Blasio to the gala. “He’s a progressive leader,” Whaley said.
Whaley has worked on the Cities of Opportunities Task Force with de Blasio focusing on progressive issues such as raising the minimum wage.
After leaving the gala, Whaley, de Blasio and others went to Lily’s Bistro in the Oregon District for dinner.
“We were honored to host de Blasio alongside our mayor and her husband,” said Emily Mendenhall, the owner of Lily’s. “We chatted a little about education and health care. He was incredibly nice … and incredibly tall.”
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