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Client News: City of Hope Seeks Furriest Philadelphian to Raise Dollars for Prostate Research

Joint project with Philly Loves Fun, 1010 Creative (and Jami Slotnick) and City of Hope Philadelphia Office

Jay Michael Salon and Spa (at The Phoenix, 1600 Arch Street) is helping men lose the fur before beach season as they present Manscape Mania and the search for “Furriest Philadelphian.” On Sunday, May 19, 2013, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, all Jay Michael stylists and employees will volunteer their time and donate 100% of proceeds from men’s salon packages to City of Hope to help them in the fight against prostate cancer. All participants and their guests will enjoy specially priced salon packages, beer tastings, complimentary nibbles, free gifts and a chance to win a $1,000 prize getaway package. In advance of the event, one winner will be named “Furriest Philadelphian,” entitling them to a year of free services and products. An additional winner at the event will be named “Most Dramatic Makeover.” For information, click here or call 267-514-8000.

Manscape Mania is the perfect opportunity for men spruce up and look sharp for summer. Significant others are invited to come and watch as men lose the fur with one-time exclusive packages:

* The Scapegoat - Manly manicure, Pedicure, Chest and Back Wax ($100.00)
* The Cityscape - Manly manicure, eyebrow wax, fifteen minute chair massage, cut and style  ($100.00)
* The Beachscape - Thirty minute relaxation massage, thirty minute facial or bacial, manly manicure, cut and style ($200.00)
* The Sexyscape - Back or chest wax, thirty minute facial or bacial, manly manicure, cut and style and hint of color treatment ($200.00)

A la carte services are also available for cut and style, manly mani and waxing services at a discounted price (one-day only).  All pricing is available for one-day only, with appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis. Special pricing can’t be combined with other discounts. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to City of Hope as staff are generously donating their wages from the day to pay it forward  or “Live a Beautiful Life” (the company’s tagline/mission statement.)

During the event, participants will also enjoy complimentary nibbles and beer samples from Tirnanog, as well as a free Matrix boxed gift set (valued at $40) and a free ride gift card from Uber (valued up to $20). All participants will also be entered to win a grand prize package for two inclusive of items such as a Tiffany necklace and an Atlantic City Weekend Hotel Package!

In advance of Manscape Mania, City of Hope and Jay Michael is looking to crown one lucky male “Furriest Philadelphian.” The winner will receive a makeover during Manscape Mania, plus a year of free styling products (approximate value $400) and a year of complementary haircuts (approximate value $2,000). Interested applicants can apply by sending a current photo (headshot and full body) to [email protected] by May 12, 2013.  Friends and family can also nominate a winner. Entries must include name, age and email address. Must be 21 and older to participate. Certain restrictions apply.

“It’s a humorous way to show our salon’s not-so-serious side,” explained Manager, Sylwia Cunningham. “We are a five-star salon and spa but we also like to have fun and also help those in need. City of Hope is a very worthy charity and we’re happy to help find—and make over— this furry man! I guess you could say we’re letting our hair down for a day!”

At the event, one lucky winner will also be named “Most Dramatic Makeover.” Before and after shots will be judged at the end of the day by Josh Hafetz, President of Raylon Corporation, a wholesale beauty distributor.

“We love working with Jay Michael Salon and Spa, “ said Harry Giordano, Senior Director of Development for City of Hope’s Northeast Region. “They have been long-time supporters of our cause I am looking forward to seeing the before and after of the Furriest Philadelphian – it’s a fun event for everyone and a day that going to be really great!”

For more information visit www.facebook.com/ ManscapeMania. Appointments are now being accepted by calling 267-514-8000 or visiting jaymichael.com. Entries for Furriest Philadelphian are also now being taken via email to [email protected].

About Jay Michael Salon and Spa

Jay Michael Salon and Spa has been providing exceptional salon experiences since 1985. For decades, Philadelphia’s elite have flocked to Jay’s gorgeously appointed salons. Jay has partnered with Sarah Keating, owner of the former Phoenix Salon and Spa, and now has two warm and welcoming beauty establishments, one at Center City’s The Phoenix, the other at The Radnor Hotel. Jay Michael employs only the most seasoned, sensational staff members, extending incredible services to his clients. From coloring and cutting to breathtaking up dos, from indulgent massages and facials to waxing, make-up applications and manicures, Jay Michael Salon and Spa does it all. Each salon visit is guaranteed to exceed your most discriminating expectations, all the while making you look and feel fabulous. Visit jaymichael.com for more info.

About City of Hope

City of Hope is recognized worldwide for its compassionate patient care, innovative science and translational research, which rapidly turns laboratory breakthroughs into promising new therapies. For 100 years, City of Hope’s pioneering research has brought the world closer to cures for many life-threatening diseases, from cancer to diabetes. Compassion drives our innovation. Every discovery we make and new treatment we develop gives patients the chance to live longer, better and more fully. As an independent medical and research institution, we can break through the barriers that traditionally stand between scientists and physicians, accelerating the application of laboratory findings to more effective treatments. We work with urgency because time matters. Patients with cancer need better options today, not next week or next year. For many people, City of Hope is where hope begins. Visit cityofhope.org for more information.

Client Event: Let Them Eat Cake Fondant Food Fest Returns with 40+ Bakers and Chefs

Forty professional bakers, pastry chefs and students present their finest fondant creations during the 9th “Let Them Eat Cake: A Night at the Movies” on Monday, April 15, 2013 at the Marion (1301 Route 130 South, Cinnaminson, New Jersey). Dessert lovers, food fanatics and brides/grooms-to-be will converge for the 9th annual competition featuring the best of the best. Guests will enjoy samplings of the area’s finest pastry decorated in movie themes, complimentary Korbel champagne, fabulous sounds from Back 2 Life by Brandywine Valley Talent, and the opportunity to meet celebrity judge Ron Ben-Israel, host of cooking competition TV show Sweet Genius. All proceeds benefit cancer research & treatment at City of Hope. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. For tickets, contact Harry Giordano at 215-985-0869.  Parking is free. 

VIP judges from the culinary arts and wedding industries, as well as local celebrities, will be on hand to award Best of Show, Most Artistic, Best Tasting and a Best Theme prize for the cake with the finest display of this year’s theme of “A Night at the Movies”. Guests can also vote in the "People Choice" category.  The roster of celebrity judges includes Ron Ben-Israel, host of cooking competition TV show Sweet Genius, as well as:

** Anne-Michelle Alberston, Chef Alberstons Cooking School
** Charlotte Albertson, Chef Alberstons Cooking School
** Mary Bigham, Town Dish and What's Cooking with Mary on WCHE
** Laura Burkhardt, Where Magazine
** Natanya DiBona, Co-CHair Diner en Blanc Philadelphia
** Tracey DeShaine, Chef/ Owner of Dixie Picnic
** Kathy Gold, President of Les Dames D'Escoffier & Chef/ Owner of In the Kitchen CookingCompany
** George Kryatas, Owner/TV Chef Sweetwater Grille
** Lari Robling, Food Journalist/ Producer WHYY (nominated for James Beard Award)
** Marilyn Russell, BENFM

A partial list of bakeries and chefs signed up for 2013’s “Cake” event include:

** Granny Schmidt's
** The Merion
** Piece 'a Cake
** Classic Cake
** The Master's Baker
** Adelaides Cakes
** Artisserie Bakery
** The Sweet Life Bakery
** Good Foods to Go
** Art Institute of Philadelphia (Eric Boerner)
** Sweet T's Bakeshop
** The Ambler Bake Shop LLC
** Davio's Restaurant
** Truly Custom Cakery
** Restaurant School of Walnut Hill
** Art Institute of Philadelphia (Eric Boerner)
** Restaurant School of Walnut Hill

Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. For tickets, contact Harry Giordano at 215-985-0869.  Tickets are also available online.

About City of Hope

City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network,

City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.

Aversa PR is proud to provide promotional support for this event at no charge. Our sister company Philly Loves Fun is also particpating as a paid official blogger. Please join us! 

Client News: Give Kids Sight Day Provides Free Exams and Glasses to Philadelphia Children

Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), Eagles Youth Partnership, Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University and Visionworks announce the fourth annual Give Kids Sight Day on Saturday, April 13, 2013.  Free eye exams and free glasses will be provided for Philadelphia children ages 18 and under who are uninsured and underinsured and do not have access to vision care.  Registration opens at 8:00am and extends through 2:00pm at Jefferson University Hospital Alumni Hall at 10th and Locust streets.  After registration, medical eye exams will be provided at Wills Eye Institute and Thomas Jefferson University.  Families will be helped on a first come, first served basis. No appointments are necessary.  Special thanks to sponsor First Hospital Foundation for their support.   For more information, call (215) 563-5848, ext. 21 or visit http://www.pccy.org/sightday.  

“Each year, thousands of children in Philadelphia fail their vision screen at school and never get care,” says Alex V. Levin, MD, MHSc, Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics at Wills Eye Institute.  “This has great impact on their ability to learn. Each year at Give Kids Sight Day at Wills, we identify children with a wide range of vision threatening eye disease including cataract, untreated legal blindness and eye muscle problems. This day is an opportunity for children to receive the vision care they need. Hundreds of loyal volunteers from Wills and health care institutions across the city will make this a reality.”

With approximately 26,000 Philadelphia children without insurance, and nearly 20,000 Philadelphia School District students failing a vision screening in the most recent academic year, Sight Day is more relevant than ever before. “Last school year, even with the full time services of the Eagles Eye Mobile, approximately 65 percent of the children who failed a school screening did not receive a follow up eye exam – which means these students didn’t get glasses,” said PCCY Health Policy Director, Colleen McCauley.  “In addition to providing free eye care on Sight Day, we want to let parents know that if they have Medical Assistance or CHIP for their children these programs cover vision exams and glasses - even replacement glasses if needed.”

The sponsors of Sight Day are pleased to announce a new partnership with Visionworks, a national optical retailer with 17 stores in the Greater Philadelphia region. The company employs locally and due to their proximity and manufacturing facility in nearby Newtown Square, Visionworks will make the glasses for children to receive them within two weeks of Sight Day.  All 1,000+ pairs of eye glasses will be produced at the company’s manufacturing facility the weekend after the event.  

Registration, screening and selecting glasses at Sight Day may take several hours. Participating families are encouraged to plan ahead for food, transportation and parking.  Thanks to a donation from Visionworks, two SEPTA tokens per child will be given to each parent.  While waiting for eye care, families will be invited to participate in a health fair featuring blood pressure screenings and health information.

Interpreters in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese and several other languages will be available at Sight Day to assist families.   All families can get help applying for health insurance at Sight Day.  Over 500 caring doctors and citizens have already volunteered to help at the event.

For more information, call (215) 563-5848, ext. 21 or visit www.pccy.org/sightday.  On the Sight Day Facebook page, flyers about the event are available in twelve different languages.  

ABOUT PCCY

Founded in 1980, Public Citizens for Children and Youth is dedicated to improving the lives and life chances of children in the Delaware Valley. *A copy of PCCY’s  updated version of our  Children’s Vision Health Resource Guide’ Children’  can be downloaded under the ‘Publications’ link on our website at www.pccy.org.

ABOUT EAGLES YOUTH PARTNERSHIP

Eagles Youth Partnership brings health and educational resources to more than 50,000 children and youth each year throughout the Philadelphia region, inspiring hope and leveraging the star power of the Philadelphia Eagles to positively influence their lives. For 17 years, their Eagles Eye Mobile programs have been providing free eye care and eye glasses for tens of thousands of children who would otherwise lack access.  For more information on Eagles Youth Partnership programs visit www.EaglesYouthPartnership.org.

ABOUT WILLS EYE

Wills Eye Institute is a global leader in ophthalmology, established in 1832 as the nation’s first hospital specializing in eye care. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Wills Eye as one of America’s top ophthalmology centers. In the Castle Connolly publications, “America’s Top Doctors,” Wills Eye has the highest number of ophthalmologists nationwide. Wills Eye is a premier training site for all levels of medical education. Its resident and post-graduate training programs are among the most competitive in the country. One of the many core strengths of Wills is the close connection between innovative research and advanced patient care. Wills provides the full range of primary and subspecialty eye care for improving and preserving sight, including cataract, cornea, retina, emergency care, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, oculoplastics, pathology, pediatric ophthalmology and ocular genetics, and refractive surgery. Wills Eye, America’s First, World’s Best. To learn more, please visit www.willseye.org.

ABOUT VISIONWORKS

Visionworks (formerly Eye Care Centers of America, Inc.) is a leading provider of eye care services with more than 590 optical retail stores in 40 states and the District of Columbia through 11 store names that are leaders in eye care service in each of their respective markets. Visionworks is committed to providing our customers with an excellent shopping experience and high quality products and service with the best value and selection in the industry. All stores offer designer and exclusive brand frames, lenses, sunglasses and accessories along with leading technology in vision correction. Their comprehensive service offerings include contact lens dispensing, in-store labs which provide one-hour service on most prescriptions at nearly all locations and doctors of optometry at or next to every store. Visionworks is a wholly owned subsidiary of HVHC, Inc. For more information about Visionworks, visit www.visionworks.com.

Client News: Children of East Passyunk Learn to Give Back During Bunny Hop for Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Easter Bunny makes an early appearance to help grant a special child’s wish. On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 11:00 AM, Alphabet Academy presents their annual Bunny Hop at the East Passyunk Singing Fountain (Tasker Street and East Passyunk Avenue) to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Parents and children from Alphabet Academy will join with Passyunk business owners, neighbors and civic groups to raise $8,000 to help grant Gabe’s wish to go to Disneyland.  The event is open to the public. Donations can be made at any Alphabet Academy location (1506, 1510, 1631 and 1720  East Passyunk Avenue), or at http://friends.wish.org/051-000/page/Alphabet-Academy/Bunny-Hop.htm. For more information, call (215) 551-6410.

Alphabet Academy will again partner with Make-a-Wish Foundation to fund a wish for a child with a life-threatening illness. While a wish will not a cure, it can give them a chance to forget, just for a little while, the sadness of being sick. Make-a-Wish Foundation reports that a wish come true almost always has a positive effect on a child by bringing hope back into his or her life and a reason to continue a grown-up battle.

Proceeds raised this year will help Gabe, a five year old boy battling cerebral palsy. His wish is to visit Disneyland with his family.  In 2012, Alphabet Academy helped a child like Gabe by raising $7,822.75. With help from the public, Alphabet Academy hopes to beat last year’s total.

The general public is invited to donate towards the campaign, as well as stop by the Bunny Hop itself. Donations can be dropped at any Alphabet Academy Child Care location (1506, 1510, 1631 and 1720  East Passyunk Avenue),  on Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20, 2013.  Donations can be made at http://friends.wish.org/051-000/page/Alphabet-Academy/Bunny-Hop.htm

About Alphabet Academy

Established in 1998, Alphabet Academy is a leader among Philadelphia preschools with learning experiences that promote creativity and self-confidence. The Tree House builds upon this tradition by adding environmental education to the curriculum.  Other Alphabet Academy locations include Alphabet Aquarium, Alphabet Station (and Infant Center) and Alphabet Garden.

Alphabet Academy believes in teaching children early about giving back to the community, helping others, understanding of themselves and how they can impact the world around them.  Each year children and families in the Alphabet Academy network host a food and toy drive around the holidays, as well as the annual Bunny Hop for Make-A-Wish Foundation.  

 

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Client Event: East Passyunk Avenue is Hopping During Easter Egg Hunt, Bunny Photos + Brunch

Easter Bunny Hops Over to East Passyunk for Egg-citing Family Fun

Client Alert: Mayor Michael Nutter Joins City Year for Opening Day Ceremony

Mayor Michael Nutter and other dignitaries will join City Year Greater Philadelphia (CYGP) for Opening Day Ceremonies, on Friday, September 14, 2012 (tomorrow) at 9:00 AM at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Millennium Hall, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, as they kick off a year of service in Philadelphia’s public and charter schools.  City Year, an education-focused, nonprofit that unites diverse teams of young people for a year of full-time service in the nation’s highest-need schools, will serve in 20 schools this year. Comcast NBCUniversal sponsors Opening Day at all 24 City Year locations.  City Year Greater Philadelphia Opening Day is also supported by local sponsor Comcast NBC10 and ARAMARK.

City Year partners with schools and teachers to place trained young adults in schools where they are needed most to provide individual support to students who need extra care and attention. Working side-by-side with teachers, our Corps Members use research-based tools and techniques to help students who are struggling—so more kids stay in school and on track to graduation.  For more information about City Year please visit www.cityyear.org

WHAT:
CYGP will kick off a year of service in 20 schools with Opening Day Ceremonies

WHEN:
Friday, September 14, 2012 at 9:00am (Doors open 8:40am)

WHERE:             
Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Millennium Hall, 1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

WHO: 

• MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER, Mayor of Philadelphia and CYGP Board Member
• ARTHUR BLOCK, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Comcast Corporation and CYGP Board Co-Chair
• BILL COPELAND, Vice Chairman of Deloitte and CYGP Board Member
• CHARISSE LILLIE, Vice President of Community Investment for Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast Foundation
• Dr. CASSANDRA RUFFIN, Deputy Chief for College and Career Readiness and Counseling for School District of Philadelphia

PHOTO:              
255 uniformed CYGP corps members will attend and collectively take the City Year Pledge.  Uniforms consist of red City Year jackets, khaki pants and Timberland boots. 

CONTACT:   
Kory Aversa/215-840-9216 

Client Event: SWAGGER Heats Things Up At Tashan with New LGBT Night

Tashan presents SWAGGER, a new LGBT party held on the third Thursday of each month.  SWAGGER kicks-off this Thursday, June 21, 2012, from 6-9pm, at 777 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148.  Guests are invited to mix and mingle while enjoying Tashan’s “777 Happy Hour” specials, with small plates, select wines and specialty cocktails for $7.   Free hors d’oeuvre samples, half price beer and door prizes will round out the festivities.  Admission is free.  Each month a portion of the food and bar proceeds will benefit a local LGBT charity.  June’s beneficiary is QFEST, Philadelphia’s gay and lesbian international film festival.   

Tashan’s famous “777 Happy Hour” will feature a mix of exceptional cuisine, one-of-a-kind cocktails and select wines for only $7 each.  SWAGGER happy hour specials are served only in the bar, lounge and outdoor dining area.

Small bite specials will include Gol Gappa, hollow Durom Puffs with a spicy potato filling and tangy mint cilantro water, and Chicken Patanga, supreme roulades with a nuts and onion raisin stuffing, and pomegranate Makhni sauce.   Specialty cocktails will include Tashan, with Penn 1681 Vodka, Blueberries, Lemongrass and Green Cardamom, and the Mumbai, with Gin, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Orange and Nutmeg.  Select wines will include Malvar Zestos, Sula Sauvignon Blanc, Fabre Montmayou Torrontes, Le Fruit Defendu Cinsault and Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage. 

Additionally, half priced beer selections will include Kingfisher (American Lager brewed in India), Taj Mahal (American Lager brewed in India),  Yards Philly Pale Ale, Voodoo White Magick of the Sun and Sculpin IPA.  

"Our goal is to throw an amazing party that lets us get to know the local community while giving back to a worthwhile cause,” said Assistant General Manager Brion Pizzi.   SWAGGER’s first beneficiary will be Philadelphia QFEST, a renowned gay and lesbian film festival presented by the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance. QFEST runs July 12 to July 20, 2012 at various center city locations.   For more information, visit Philadelphia QFEST on Facebook or visit www.qfest.org.

Admission to SWAGGER is free.  Valet parking is available.  Tashan is located at 777 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148.  For more information, call Tashan at 267-687-2170, contact Aversa PR & Events at 215-840-9216, and follow SWAGGER on facebook.com/SwaggerTashan  and twitter/swaggertashan.  

 

Client News: City Year Names Comcast's Arthur Block the 2012 Idealist of the Year at Tribute Dinner

City Year Greater Philadelphia (CYGP), my newest client, announced that Arthur R. Block, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Comcast Corporation, is being honored with the 2012 Idealist of the Year Award at the annual Tribute Dinner on Thursday, May 17th, at 6:00 PM, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA.  Over 1,000 community leaders will join City Year corps members and champions for an engaging evening that celebrates Block and Comcast’s commitment to America’s youth.

The Tribute Dinner is supported by premiere event sponsor Davis Polk & Wardwell, LLP. Joe Banner, President of Philadelphia Eagles, David L. Cohen, Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation, and M. Norman Goldberger, Partner of Ballard Spahr LLP, are serving as event co-chairs. Event sponsors Ballard Spahr LLP and Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP join over 68 other major sponsors in supporting this evening. 

“Art has volunteered untold hours towards the expansion and improvement of City Year in his role as member and Co-Chair of the Board,” said Dinner Co-Chair and CYGP Advisory Board Chair Joe Banner.  “It is because of Art’s deep rooted values of passion, integrity and commitment that City Year has chosen to honor him with the 2012 Idealist of the Year Award.”

Block is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Comcast Corporation, one of the world’s leading media, entertainment, and communications companies.  He has been involved with Comcast since 1978, first as outside counsel at Wolf Block, a role he held until he joined the company as an in-house attorney in 1989.  He was named to his current position of General Counsel in 2000.  Block directs the law and corporate governance functions at Comcast, supervising over 300 attorneys.

Block is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School (BS Economics and BA 1975) and the University of Michigan Law School (JD 1978).  A lifelong Philadelphian, Block has been involved in various community organizations.  He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Managers of Moore College of Art & Design and Co-Chair of City Year Greater Philadelphia’s Advisory Board. Block has been married to his wife Janice, a clinical social worker, for over 30 years.  Their children Marissa (27, also a clinical social worker) and Alexander (23, a digital advertising manager), both live and work in New York City.

“No one better exemplifies Comcast’s commitment to active community engagement than Art Block,” said Loree Jones, CYGP Co-Executive Director.  “He has been instrumental in deepening Comcast’s ongoing dedication to City Year and our nation’s young people.”

Comcast’s initial involvement with City Year came in 2001 when The Comcast Foundation funded the City Year Detroit Leadership Development and Training program. Soon after in 2002, Comcast became a local sponsor for the team serving at Henry A. Brown School in Philadelphia. Today, the Comcast partnership supports all of City Year’s leadership development programs, sponsors City Year teams in nine cities, and donates significant communication and broadcasting resources to help City Year raise awareness about its mission and focus areas by reaching more young people across the country through cable and internet. Comcast’s partnership with City Year has been renewed to carry through 2013. This partnership renewal brings Comcast's total cash and in-kind support to more than $75 million.

The Idealist of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Philadelphia community and who have dedicated themselves to the greater good of the region through their "idealism."  Each year a committee of the CYGP Board selects the Idealist of the Year from a list of prominent civic and business leaders.  Past recipients of the organization’s highest honor have included Banner; Cohen; Andrew C. Kerin, Executive Vice President of ARAMARK Corporation; Lynn L. Elsenhans, former CEO of Sunoco; Bill McDermott, Co-CEO of SAP; Richard Green, CEO and Vice Chairman of Firstrust Bank; and former United States Senator Harris Wofford.

Since 2000, the Tribute Dinner has engaged over 5,000 civic and business leaders, and raised over $5,000,000 to support City Year. The 2012 Tribute Dinner is expected to be the largest Tribute Dinner and fundraising event in CYGP’s 15 year history.  Tickets and sponsorships are currently available by visiting www.cityyear.org/philadelphia or calling (267) 386-7033.

Photos:   Leading up the Tribute Dinner, City Year invited me to join them for Comcast Cares Day with the Today Show and their Board Co-Chair/Honree Arthur Block.  

Case Study: Low Cost Super Bowl Party Raises Big Money

The Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League (GPFFL) and ActionAIDS presented the “BIG GAME PARTY II” at International House, on Sunday, February 5, 2012.   The event was a huge success -- attracting 50% more guests than the prior year and netting $6,000 for the sponsoring organizations.  The event even scored some  face time on Fox News! 

Several key factors can be attributed to the event meeting and exceeding  goals:

• Expenses were decreased by 50%
• An extensive, low-cost PR and marketing campaign was developed.
• Greater emphasis was placed on individual donors and day-of-event activities.  

By the end of the event campaign, the GPFFL and ActionAIDS transitioned the new event from 2011 into the 2012 must attend Super Bowl party.   They did this with a $40-$125 ticket price that faced fierce competition from free bar-oriented parties with free food and inexpensive drinks.  The group also spent time building the groundwork for future years.  

Event proceeds will help ActionAIDS provide an array of services to 5,000 clients living with HIV/AIDS.   Proceeds will also go to support on-going community efforts by GPFFL, as their mission includes impacting the greater community beyond the field.  Each year, members of the GPFFL donate hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to support other non-profit organizations.  GPFFL will expand this work to include a youth scholarship fund in the near future.

Last minute donations can be sent to:  ActionAIDS, attn: Michael Byrne, c/o BIG GAME EVENT II, 1216 Arch Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Thank you to the GPFFL for asking me to co-chair and help with the event planning.  Thanks to all the volunteers from GPFFL (including co-chair Carmen Gervasio, GPFFL Commssioner Wayne Knaub and GPFFL Marketing Chair Tom Bowles), and the ActionAIDS staff members.  Special thanks to the following companies who sponsored the event: 

PLATINUM SPONSOR
Petchalonis Dental

GOLD SPONSOR
A & M Berk Tax Service

IN-KIND SPONSORS
BJ’s Wholesale Club 
B2 Salon (pictured above)
diTommaso’s Pasticceria
KL Graphic Design and Illustration
Media Copy
NightLifeGay
Philadelphia Gay News
PhillyGayCalendar
Scott A. Drake Photography

   

For more information on the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League, like them on Facebook or their website.  For more information on ActionAIDS, like them on Facebook or visit their website.

Silent Auction Prizes Wanted for ActionAIDS and GPFFL Event

I have the honor of co-chairing this wonderful event!  Please join me in supporting ActionAIDS and GPFFL by donating a prize to the silent auction, making a donation or attending the event.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League (GPFFL) presents “BIG GAME PARTY II” at International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.  This big benefit raises funds for a big cause – helping 5,000+ people living with HIV/AID.  Please join us in making it a success!

“Big Game Party II” will take place on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 5:00 PM (VIP reception) and 6:00 PM (General admission).  During the event, up to 200 participants will enjoy a showing of the Super Bowl, along with food, drinks, a VIP reception and giveaways.  

As part of the festivities, we will conduct a silent auction to raise funds for ActionAIDS and GPFFL. We ask that you join our fundraising efforts by donating an item for use in the silent auction and/or raffle.  All donations are tax-deductible, as allowed by law.  

In exchange for your generosity, you will be given a listing in our program, recognition on www.phillyflagfootball.com , mentions on Facebook and Twitter, and acknowledgement at the event.

Enclosed please find a contribution form to describe your donation, as well as to assign a value to your gift.  We ask that forms are returned by January 27, 2012 for inclusion in the program book.  Forms can be mailed to:  ActionAIDS, attn: Michael Byrne, 1216 Arch Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

When you donate to the GPFFL and ActionAIDS, you receive increased community exposure, while at the same time providing an array of services to those living with HIV/AIDS. Your gift will fund Pennsylvania’s largest AIDS service organization that currently serving over 5,000 clients a year.  Your gift will also support on-going community efforts by GPFFL, as our mission includes impacting the greater community beyond the field.  Each year, members of the GPFFL donate hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to support other non-profit organizations.  GPFFL will expand this work to include a youth scholarship fund in the near future.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need additional information, please call at 215.840.9216 (Kory) or 215.939.4674 (Carmen).