NEW YORK (CNS) — The Democratic and Republican presidential nominees both have agreed to be guest speakers at the Al Smith dinner Oct. 16 in New York, the Archdiocese of New York announced Sept. 17. The archdiocese said Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain would “share nonpartisan good humor before an audience of civic, business and social leaders.” The joint appearance three weeks before the Nov. 4 election would continue a longtime tradition of presidential candidates addressing the annual fundraising dinner — a tradition that has been followed off and on in recent years. Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York, who will preside at the dinner, called the dinner “a splendid opportunity to recall the spirit of ‘the happy warrior,’ Gov. Al Smith.” The annual dinner — now in its 63rd year — and the Smith foundation have raised millions to provide support for the sick, poor and underprivileged in the New York area. In statements released by the New York Archdiocese, both McCain and Obama said they looked forward to the event.