John K. Binswanger, Vice Chairman of Binswanger Company, the Philadelphia-based international commercial real estate company, and longtime supporter of Philadelphia civic activities, will receive the inaugural Founders Award from the nonprofit Philadelphia Police Foundation at its “A Night for Blue” event on Tuesday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ballroom at the Franklin, 101 S. 9th St., in Center City.

Binswanger, a founding member of the Philadelphia Police Foundation in 1999, has been and continues to be a strong and active supporter of the Philadelphia Police Department and its personnel. He currently sits on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“John Binswanger for many years has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Philadelphia Police Department to help keep the men and women in blue equipped and trained to enhance their effectiveness in providing safety and security for the citizens of Philadelphia,” said Maureen S. Rush, Foundation Board President and Vice President for Public Safety and Superintendent of Police at the University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to his work with the Police Foundation, Binswanger has served as Chairman of the Police Athletic League, General Chairman of the 1998 United Way Campaign, Vice Chairman of the Center City District, President of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, Real Estate Chair for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chair of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in 1999-2000.

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit will welcome guests as they enter the 9th St. entrance. The Police Foundation has contributed equipment to the Mounted Unit as part of its overall support of the Police Department.

The Philadelphia Police Foundation’s first Fundraising event will bring together a broad spectrum of people from the Philadelphia area who support the efforts of the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department. Wearing blue, of course, will be encouraged for those attending the inaugural event.

In addition to the Mounted officers and horses, the Police Motorcycle Unit and the Canine Unit will participate in the event. Both Canine and the Motorcycle Unit have been recent recipients of the Police Foundation’s support.

A special Night for Blue auction will feature one-of-a-kind items that will give winning bidders greater insights into the workings and responsibilities of the Philadelphia Police Department and its personnel.

The nonprofit Philadelphia Police Foundation (www.phillypolicefoundation.org) was founded in 1999 by civic-minded business leaders to provide funding for equipment, training and programs to the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department not included in the city’s current budget. During the past three years, the Foundation has provided more than $1.2 million in funding to the Police Department.