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Beneficiaries : News

Beneficiary News
Flyers and Sixers in the Community

RECENT BENEFICIARY NEWS

2/2/2010: Sixers guard Willie Green along with his fiancé Terrah, Charrisse Jordan (wife of Head Coach Eddie Jordan) and Janice Faulkner (mother of Sixers guard Lou Williams) hosted a special in-store sale at Nicole Miller of Philadelphia benefiting Sixers Charities, a division of the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation. Guests were invited to meet Willie Green while they shopped the spring 2010 collection. Green also signed copies of the Sixers Charities childrens book, From A to Zone D.

From left: Willie Green and his fiancé Terrah, Janice Faulkner, Charrisse Jordan, and Mary Dougherty (owner of Nicole Miller of Philadelphia)

1/26/2010: Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia and BLOCS (Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools) hosted a business leadership breakfast at Annunciation B.V.M. in South Philadelphia. BLOCS is a Philadelphia scholarship organization committed to providing all children with a quality education.

From left: CSN Philadelphia Senior Vice President Brian Monihan, BLOCS Chairman Mike ONeill, Bishop McFadden, CSN Anchor/Reporter Gregg Murphy (in back), BLOCS Board Member Michael Young, and BLOCS President Brian McElwee.

1/13/2010: Members of the Sixers Ladies were on hand at the reception held to recognize the contribution made by Sixers Charities, a division of the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation to Main Line Health Systems Lankenau Hospital. The contribution will be used to support equipment, furnishings and renovations in the OB-GYN program of the Clinical Care Center. This program provides prenatal, post-natal, pediatric care, and parental education services to uninsured and underinsured families in the Philadelphia area.

(From left): Karen Stefanski (wife of Sixers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski), Janice Faulkner (mother of Sixers Louis Williams), Elaine Thompson (President of Lankenau Hospital), Charrisse Jordan (wife of Sixers Head Coach Eddie Jordan), and Ashley Kapono (wife of Sixers Jason Kapono)

12/18/2009: Flyers forward Danny Briere, along with teammates Ian Laperriere, Chris Pronger, and Kimmo Timonen shopped on behalf of the entire team for holiday gifts to help local families during the holiday season. The items were donated to Ronald McDonald House facilities which help families with children staying in area hospitals.

Flyers forward Danny Briere shops with Teddy Thomas, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey.

12/9/2009: Flyers forward Scott Hartnell and other members of the Philadelphia Flyers were on hand for the Firefly Literacy Funds Cocktails for a Cause at The Field House in Philadelphia. Firefly Literacy Fund is a non-profit dedicated to bringing adventure, opportunity and hope to young, at-risk children through literacy.

Flyers Forward Scott Hartnell presents check to representatives from Firefly Literacy Fund (from left): Kelly Smith, Jessica Paschke, Hartnell, Melissa Barnhart, Ashley Creasy

12/1/2009: Flyers alumni Tim Kerr and Brian Propp, along with members of the Flyers Wives and Flyers Training Staff joined troops and volunteers at the annual Treats for Troops packing event at Flip & Baileys Bar and Grill in Rosemont, Pa. The items for the packages were collected at various locations over the past month, including the Wachovia Center and Flyers Skate Zones. The care packages will be shipped to local servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pictured (Left to right): Major Ted Lorenz, Flyers alumni Tim Kerr and wife Midge, Flyers alumni Brian Propp, Braydon Coburns girlfriend Nadine Gustafson, Robyn McCrossin and husband Flyers Head Athletic Trainer Jim McCrossin and Assistant Athletic Trainer Sal Raffa.

9/17/2009: Attending the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund luncheon at Drumthwacket, the New Jersey Governor's Mansion, are (left to right) Heather Hatcher, wife of Flyers Player Development Coach Derian Hatcher, Dara Marcozzi, Chair of New Jersey Governor's Ovarian Cancer Workgroup and Susan Bass Levin, Deputy Director of the Port Autority of New York and New Jersey. The event helped raise awareness for ovarian cancer research and celebrated ovarian cancer survivors such as Marcozzi and Bass Levin.

8/29/2009: Philadelphia Flyers Head Athletic Trainer Jim McCrossin (middle), along with wife Robyn and son Luke, at American Legion Post #331 present check from Flyers Charities, a division of Comcast-Spectacor Foundation to Commander Al Carusi (left). The donation stems from fundraising efforts from the annual Flyers Trial on the Isle (July 9) in Stone Harbor and Avalon. Proceeds will be used to support local active duty personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, as well as the establishment efforts of the Forgotten Warriors Museum.

8/22/09: Laughter and excitement filled the Wachovia Center at the United Spinal Associations Kids Sports Spectacular, an action packed day of recreational events, activities, and dreams that come true for kids who are wheelchair users.

8/8/2009: Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach John Stevens participated in the 2009 Captain Bill Gallagher 10-mile run in Sea Isle City, NJ. Flyers Charities made a donation in support of Coach Stevens in the run that raised funds for Crossing the Finish Line, an organization which helps adult cancer patients, their families, and caregivers cope with the demands of the fight against cancer, by providing a one-week expense paid respite excursion in a peaceful environment. Coach Stevens, who ran on a corporate team with his nephew Justin, finished the run in 1 hour and 20 minutes, good for first place in that division. For more information about this organization and the 10-mile run, please log onto www.CrossingTheFinishLine.org.

7/30/2009: The Comcast-Spectacor Foundation and Philadelphia Senior Center (PSC) teamed up once again for the annual Fan Fair at the PSC Main Branch in Philadelphia (July 30) distributing over 300 free box fans for seniors. Members of the Comcast-Spectacor Family of Companies, including Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski, Philadelphia Flyers Ambassador of Hockey Bob Kelly and members of the Philadelphia 76ers Hare Raisers, were on hand to distribute the fans.

PSC and Comcast-Spectacor Foundation launched Fan Fair during a week of high temperatures and high humidity both which can be dangerous to seniors. PSC, which has been a national leader in heat safety and education for seniors since 1993, celebrated its 60th Anniversary by distributing its 10,000th free box fan during Fan Fair.

7/25/2009: Basketball fans braved the heat at the 10th Annual Sixers Beach Bash presented by Kia Motors at Jacks Place in Avalon (July 25) in an effort to raise money for Sixers Charities, a division of the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation, to help support local non-profit organizations.

Sixers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski and Head Coach Eddie Jordan were on hand to meet and take pictures with the crowd while Sixers Forward Jason Smith and 2009 draft pick Jrue Holiday signed autographs under a packed tent. Even Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren stopped by to support the cause.

This was my first Beach Bash and it was a lot of fun, said Holiday. It was great getting to know the fans. This was a nice opportunity for the fans to get to know the players, as well. Click here for the full story.

7/9/2009: Philadelphia Flyers prospects took a break from the ice and headed to the shore for the annual Flyers Trial on the Isle conditioning and charity event in Stone Harbor, NJ, (July 9). Following a mini-triathalon, where the prospects participated in running, kayaking, and biking, the players were available for autographs at Harbor Bizarre on 96th Street before heading to the charity softball game at 80th Street Field in Avalon, NJ. The day was filled with fun prizes and auctions for items such as autographed sticks, exclusive Spectrum items and an autographed press release. Net proceeds benefit Flyers Charities, a division of the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation, to help support veterans causes.

6/29/2009: Comcast-Spectacor Foundation was well represented at the Fifth Annual Chefs Dinner for Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) which was held at The Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penns Landing. In attendance at the event were Comcast-Spectacor Vice Chairman Fred Shabel, along with his wife, Irene, as well as Flyers Head Coach John Stevens and his wife, Stacy. PAWS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to saving Philadelphias homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. Through its adoption locations, special events, and foster care network, PAWS finds loving homes for thousands of animals each year.

6/11/2009: The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson held its inaugural ball at the Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park (June 11). Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider and the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation were the lead sponsors of the event hosted by Caroline and Sidney Kimmel, which honored Senator Arlen Specter and the American Cancer Society. While guests enjoyed a dinner, reception, and entertainment, the event helped raise funds for cancer research.

The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center, is home to internationally renowned cancer physicians and research scientists. Cancer treatment at the Kimmel Cancer Center utilizes cutting edge technology, along with world class therapeutics and the latest clinical trial options.

6/8/2009: Sixers mascot Hip-Hop visited Wissahickon Charter School in Philadelphia to help distribute new uniforms to the middle school basketball team after their jerseys were stolen earlier this year. Upon hearing of the theft, Sixers Charities of the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation provided funds to help replace the uniforms. The mission of the Wissahickon Charter School is to provide a community of learning with an environmental focus that stimulates the child's intellectual, social, and character development.

5/28/09: Flyers forward Mike Knuble and CorrTableSports, took the action to a new arena, the teen room at the Center for Grieving Children, Teens & Families in Philadelphia, with their donations of new recreational equipment, including a Tockey table.

Through the Comcast Spectacor Foundation, Knuble approached CorrTableSports, to donate the Tockey table to the Center.

The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families offers a safe and caring place where young people and their families who are grieving a death can find help to grow through the healing process. Knuble, who lost his father at the age of 15, founded the Knuble Family Foundation with his wife Megan to raise funds to support youth who have experienced tragic losses. After visiting the Center for Grieving Children, Teens & Families, Knuble decided to donate new, updated recreational equipment to add more fun and enjoyment to the Centers teen room.

When a death occurs, children and teens sometimes become the forgotten grievers.' Having experienced loss at a young age, it is important for me to help raise awareness and offer support to organizations that help children and teens with the grieving process, said Knuble.

5/19/2009: (left to right) Comcast-Spectacor Senior Vice President Mary Ann Saleski and Mercy Health System Senior Vice President Mission & Sponsorship Sister Kathleen Keenan, RSM participated in a ribbon cutting and van dedication at the new Mercy Life, Living Independently for Elders, in North Philadelphia. The Comcast-Spectacor Foundation is providing funding for patient transportation.

5/16/09: Flyers Head Coach John Stevens participated in the first annual Peytons Promise 5k run/2k walk in Sea Isle City, NJ. Approximately 280 runners and walkers helped raise money for The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia for ongoing research for lung development to help babies born with CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia), a birth defect that occurs when the diaphragm does not fully form, allowing abdominal organs to enter the chest cavity preventing lung growth. Pictured here are Coach Stevens (second from left) and son, John, along with Debra and Dustin Laricks and their children Dustin and Peyton.

3/30/2009: Heather Hatcher (third from right), wife of Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher, helps celebrate opening of newly renovated art room in Women Against Abuse Emergency Shelter with special guests (right to left) Ronald McDonald,Ž Meghan Kincade, WAA emergency shelter director; Hatcher; John Durante, president, RMHC of Philadelphia Region, Inc.; Cynthia Hughes, school aid childcare worker; and Bill Roberson, board member, RMHC of Philadelphia Region, Inc. Ronald McDonald House CharitiesŽ (RMHCŽ) of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. partnered with Comcast-Spectacor Foundations Flyers Wives to refurbish art room and add mural, hand-painted by Flyers Wife Heather Hatcher. Women Against Abuse is a leader in advocacy and direct services to victims of domestic violence.

11/17/08: Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell and his wife Lisa at the Philadelphia Flyers/76ers Room at the opening of the Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse, a division of Wissahickon Hospice and part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. The Comcast-Spectacor Foundation made a contribution the the Hospice, which is the first inpatient hospice of its kind in the area, offering 12 large, private rooms, a spa center, meditation area and panoramic views of the city.

10/24/08: The Sixers Andre Miller, and Team President and General Manager, Ed Stefanksi took part a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the first Sixers reading and learning center at the Rivera Recreation Center. The Sixers, as a part of Toyota Project Rebound and NBA Cares joined members of the community to explore the new space, read books and try out brand new computers. Click here for more photos from the day.

9/12/2008: The Comcast-Spectacor Foundation donated $10,000 to help Philabundance continue its free milk program for low-income youngsters in Philadelphia. Our Foundation is very familiar with the excellent work Philabundance does to provide poor and needy people in Philadelphia with essential nutritional needs, said Fred Shabel, Comcast-Spectacor Foundation Board Member. Philabundance, the Philadelphia region's largest hunger-relief agency, faced the possibility of eliminating its free milk program for needy youngsters unless it raised thousands of dollars. The program will continue thanks to the generosity of the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation and donations from other concerned individuals and companies.

6/16/08: Comcast-Spectacor Foundation participated with Ronald McDonald House Charities and Conoco Phillips in the groundbreaking ceremony of the brand new multi-purpose playground to be constructed at the Wesley House Emergency Shelter in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Wesley House Emergency Shelter is a 68-bed facility serving homeless families with children in the Delaware County.

Construction of the playground was made possible by initial funding provided by a Ronald McDonald House Charities grant and an in-kind contribution from the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation which runs Sixers Charities. Click here for the full story and photos.

4/10/08: The Philadelphia 76ers teamed up with Toyota and the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation to dedicate a new Reading & Learning Center and a new outdoor basketball court at the Athletic Recreation Center in Philadelphia.

The new improvements to the Athletic Recreation Center including a Reading & Learning Center complete with computers, books, chairs, and reading areas. The refurbishment's to the outdoor court included two brand new surfaces, new backboards and nets. The two courts were painted in Sixers colors, and don Sixers Logos at mid-court and on the backboards themselves. Click here for the full story and photos.

The Comcast-Spectacor Foundation made a contribution to the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Pictured here with the plaque that is displayed in the Emergency Department waiting roon is Elizabeth Datner, M.D., Medical Director of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Besides visits from members of the Flyers and Sixers, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has received contributions over the years from the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation, including major funding in support of the Pediatric Oncology Unit (pictured here).

In 2004, The Comcast-Spectacor Foundation made a major contribution to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia that made possible the new Flyers/76ers Surgery Theatre, a state-of-the-art, 100-seat auditorium that brings the operating room into the classroom. Jeffrey A. Drebin, MD, PhD, FACS, the newly appointed Chair of the Department of Surgery at Penn Medicine, is pictured with the Flyers/76ers Surgery Theatre plaque (2009).

FLYERS AND SIXERS IN THE COMMUNITY

6/16/09: Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Stevens paid a special visit to Fox Chase Elementary School in Philadelphia after receiving letters from teacher Brandi Wrights 5th grade class. Stevens met with the kids to talk about growing up and answered numerous student questions.

6/13/09: Philadelphia 76ers forward Jason Smith welcomed home Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who served 10 months in Iraq, at a local event to honoring their return in Trenton. Click here for the full story.

5/29/09: Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Stevens (second from right) attended a taping of Change the World: American Heroes project. Also in attendance were Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter (third from right) and Carter Oosterhouse (second from left), who hosts his own show.

5/21/09: Philadelphia Flyers right wing Mike Knuble spoke to a group of 8th grade students at Haddonfield (NJ) Middle School as part of the Rotary Club of Haddonfields career day.

5/16/2009: Flyers goaltender Marty Biron helps Jacob Sivel, 2009 Youth chair person, cut the starting line to signify the start of the Let's Move Together Arthritis Walk in Cherry Hill NJ on Saturday, May 16, 2009. Sivel, 14, was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when he was seven years old.

3/4/09: In honor of March being Reading Month, Sixers Elton Brand took a timeout to read to children during the Sixers Library Line-up Tour. The Tour was a part of the Sixers Read to Achieve program, courtesy of The Pepsi Bottling Group of Philadelphia.