Phillie Phanatic Says "Cheese!" for Charity Fundraiser

It was a major photo op today for the Phillie Phanatic.

KYW's Kim Glovas reports that out-of-towners and locals -- even "Ben Franklin" (protrayed by an actor) gathered around the world's favorite mascot for a group shot at the Independence Visitors Center.

Twenty statues of the Phanatic have been on display all over the city, all summer.

Today, dozens of people gathered around one of statues for the picture when the real Phanatic came bounding out, seemingly out of nowhere.

Mike Harris is with the Phillies' organization:

"The Phanatic is one of a kind.  He's been cloned for the summer, but let's be honest, he's truly one of a kind.  This is the first public arts project that has paid tribute to a professional sports mascot in the country, so it's been a home run all around."

The Phillies' Scott Palmer then called out: Places everyone!

"Phanatic, are you ready?  Three, two, one, PHANATIC!"

The statues will be rounded up August 29th and taken to the ballpark, where they will be displayed during September, then auctioned off to benefit Philadelphia charities.

(Photo by KYW's Kim Glovas)