On his website, Mayor Francis Slay invites friends to a night “celebrating city neighborhoods” at St. Louis University’s new Chaifetz Arena on May 9.

But even if St. Louis is the star of the evening, the proceeds, it appears, will benefit Slay.

Though it’s tough to tell from the online invitation, Slay made clear in his State of the City speech that the event is actually a re-election fundraiser — perhaps his biggest one yet.

General admission is $100, with the opportunity for supporters to bring a “team of five” ($500) or a “team of ten” ($1000).

Kids are welcome, too — “pewee” tickets are half-price.

Coupling his own election fortunes with a celebration of the city is not new ground for Slay. When he ran against an underfunded Irene Smith in 2005, Slay framed his campaign commercials to focus on the city - one highlighted city restaurants, for instance - more than him.

It’s a clever tactic: Minimizing opposition with a show of political insouciance - Opponent? What opponent? — while upping visibility.

This year, Slay is taking a methodical approach to preparing for the 2009 campaign, gradually building a formidable campaign war chest that could discourage others from joining the race - even if his fundraising invites don’t come out and say it.

Event celebrating the city will benefit Slay