IThe Inaugural Partnerships for the Children Award Dinner was held on May 9, 2007 in Philadelphia at the Union League. The dinner celebrated the extraordinary and long lasting relationship between Northern Home and Wawa The award recognizes more than twenty years of dedication, generosity and service that Wawa Associates have devoted to improving the lives of the children we serve.

The evening began with a lovely cocktail reception. Classical music, performed by students from the Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP) entertained guests as they bid on silent auction items including a signed Bon Jovi guitar. The evening’s festivities included a delicious dinner and a special performance by the newly formed Northern Home for Children Steel Drum Band. An informational video inspired and educated guests about Northern Home for Children. Special thanks to photographer Don Price, Wawa's Minister of Magic and Silverhand Productions. “We would like to express our deepest thanks to all of the individuals and companies who have so generously supported this event, and thank our honored guest, Estelle B. Richman, for truly dedicating her life to the betterment of all Pennsylvanians, specifically children” said Donna Bolno, Vice President for Development/ Fundraising.

Ms. Estelle B. Richman, Secretary of Public Welfare for the State of Pennsylvania, introduced Wawa’s President & CEO, Mr. Howard Stoeckel. Deboran, a graduate of our Generations program, presented Mr. Stoeckel the award.

“The great honor evokes the words of the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Hodding Carter II, who once said, “There are two things we should give our children: one is “roots” and the other is “wings”.

Following that theme, Mark Handelman, the new President and CEO of Northern Home for Children added “Through individuals like Howard Stoeckel the hope is that the children we serve receive “roots”-a sense of stability and belonging and, “wings” or encouragement to fly high and acquire the life skills necessary to lead independent and productive lives.”

Many thanks for all of our sponsors and attendees.

The Grid Iron Challenge served as both a fundraiser and a friendraiser to increase awareness of Northern Home within the young professional community of Philadelphia.

“This event was a perfect place for me to share my experiences with Northern Home for Children with my friends,” commented Will Villano, a member of Young Friends. Stacy Dougherty from GlaxoSmithKline added the “I had an awesome time and will definitely bring my friends next year!”

Special thanks to Chickies and Pete’s and and Mr. Chad Beene, a friend of Northern Home. Young Friends of Northern Home for children supports Northern Home through a variety of community and social events. For more information please contact Stephanie Ferrari at sferrari@northernhome.org.

As a result she was chosen as one of the first recipients to receive a new laptop computer generously donated by Jon Bon Jovi and Comp USA. Currently Deboran is studying for her nursing degree and hopes to work with children in the future. During her free time she likes to knit and read to her daughter, Elaysha. Deboran continues to stay in touch with the Generations staff.