Upcoming Events
Graduation Celebration
June 10, 2008
6:00 pm
Pennsylvania Convention Center
The annual Philadelphia Futures Graduation Celebration will honor the SAS Class of 2008 upon their graduation from high school and our SAS collegians and alumni receiving their undergraduate and graduate degrees in 2008. For additional information, please contact Ann-Therese Ortiz, SAS Program Director, at 215.790.1666, ext. 21.
Announcements
Phillies Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and their Teammates “Get in the Game” on behalf of Philadelphia Futures
On April 28, 2008, Phillies Chase Utley and Shane Victorino hosted Philadelphia Futures’ annual “Get in the Game” event to benefit the Sponsor-A-Scholar Program. The event was co-chaired by David Montgomery, President and CEO, The Phillies; Stephen Steinour, Managing Partner, CrossHarbor Capital Partners; and Arn Tellem, President, WMG Management.
Twenty-six corporate teams participated in bowling and billiard tournaments, raising more than $160,000 for the organization. Over 375 guests bowled, played pool, enjoyed a great buffet dinner, and participated in an exciting raffle and auction. Guests also had the opportunity to meet Chase, Shane, and their teammates Jimmy Rollins, Geoff Jenkins, Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer and Greg Dobbs, who participated as team captains. Captains also included Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who demonstrated considerable skill as a bowler and posted an enviable score, former Phillies Garry Maddox, Mitch Williams and Dickie Noles, Temple’s Head Basketball Coach Fran Dunphy, and members of the broadcast media including CBS 3’s Stephanie Stahl and Doug Kammerer, CN8’s Greg Coy, NBC 10’s Bill Henley, and from 6abc, Amy Buckman, Erica Grow, Nydia Han, Monica Malpass, David Murphy and Rick Williams. The Phillies’ Scott Palmer served as master of ceremonies.
This is the eighth annual benefit that members of the Phillies have hosted for Philadelphia Futures, which over the years, has raised close to $900,000 for students in the Sponsor-A-Scholar Program.
Philadelphia Futures is deeply grateful to Chase and Shane, our co-chairs, celebrity team captains, sponsors and guests for their contribution to the event’s success. The organization is especially indebted to Arn Tellem, who has been the vision and force behind the event since the beginning.
Philadelphia Futures Recognized by the Pennsylvania Society at the Society’s Annual Dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City
Philadelphia Futures received a very special gift when the Pennsylvania Society presented its prestigious 2007 Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement to Senator Arlen Specter during the Society’s Annual Dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. In honor of the Senator’s commitment to the power of mentoring, Futures was selected as one of two organizations in the Commonwealth to receive a $25,000 honorarium that accompanies the Society’s Gold Medal Award. Janet Perry, President of the Philadelphia Futures Board of Directors, represented the organization at the Annual Dinner, which was hosted by former Futures Board member Carol Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Society. In announcing the honorarium, Society President Arthur Rothkopf commended the work of Philadelphia Futures to the hundreds of distinguished Pennsylvanians in attendance. The Pennsylvania Society was established more than 100 years ago with the purpose of honoring achievement, rewarding excellence, promoting good will and understanding, and celebrating service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Futures Enters the 21st Century
Thanks to two very thoughtful donors, Philadelphia Futures has exploded into the 21st century with much-needed upgrades to our technological capabilities. A generous gift from the McLean Contributionship allowed for a complete renovation of the Student Computer Lab, including the purchase of eight new Dell computers, new computer desks and task chairs, and a fresh coat of paint. SAS students now have the tools they need and an inviting environment to complete their homework, conduct research, and like typical teenagers everywhere, surf the net and e-mail their friends. The grand opening of the Computer Lab was celebrated at Philadelphia Futures’ Annual Holiday Party in December, attended by SAS students, mentors and family members.
Another most welcome gift, presented by Margit and Douglas Olson, allowed Philadelphia Futures to further its technology upgrade with the purchase of six new laptop computers and a projector. The laptops are being used extensively for word processing and internet research in SAS’ off-site after-school classes, and in tandem with the new projector, have provided the capability for PowerPoint presentations.
We are deeply grateful to the McLean Contributionship and the Olsons for making these critical resources available to our students.
The 2007-2008 Edition of Step-Up to College is Available
Philadelphia Futures produces a unique resource guide, updated annually, for high school students in the City of Philadelphia. Step Up to College: Philadelphia’s Guide to the College Preparation, Application, Admissions & Financial Aid Processes addresses the importance and feasibility of obtaining a college degree. It also provides resources and practical information to aid in planning for and being admitted to college. Philadelphia Futures distributes over 80,000 copies of the Guide, free of charge, to public, parochial, and charter school students in Philadelphia. Copies are also available in libraries, legislative offices and community-based organizations. This year, for the first time, Philadelphia Futures also produced and distributed a facilitator’s handbook, Teach It!, to assist guidance counselors, teachers and others in helping students through the college-going process. For complimentary copies of the Guide or Teach It!, contact our Project Manager, Leslie Ryan by email or call 215.790.1666 ext. 22.
