Month: April 2014

MAYOR NUTTER HOSTSrnTEEN SUMMER JOB & OPPORTUNITIES FAIRrnrnWawa, Temple and Santander support youth programrnrnPhiladelphia, April 26, 2014 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter hosted a Teen Summer Job & Opportunities Fair focused on paid summer employment, volunteer positions and basic training for youth ages 14 – 21 years old. As part of the Fun Safe Philly Summer campaign, the Fair offered trainings to youth on resume building, interview skills and financial literacy and direct access to employers. About 1,000 students and their parents attended the Fair, which provided access to more than 550 job and volunteer opportunities in Philadelphia. The fair was held at Temple University’s Howard Gittis Student Center.rnrn“One of the most important ways we can support young people is to ensure that they have access to opportunities to grow, learn and begin to engage in the workforce,” said Mayor Nutter. “Today’s Teen Summer Job & Opportunities Fair does that by bringing youth, trainers and employers together to build knowledge and connect youth to summer employment and volunteer opportunities. I congratulate all of the youth who attended today’s Fair for investing in their future.”rnrnAs part of its sponsorship, Wawa provided free lunches and totes to all participants, raffle prize gift cards and resume and interview skills training.rnrn“At Wawa we are thrilled to be able to provide assistance to this very important cause,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s President and CEO. “Especially in our hometown of Philadelphia, we are passionate about creating jobs and economic impact, and it’s great to see our city rallying behind the next generation of great minds and future leaders.”rnrnKenneth E. Lawrence, Senior Vice President for Governmental Relations at Temple University, said, “As a civic and educational leader, Temple University is happy to host the Teen Summer Job & Opportunities Fair to help connect Philadelphia teens with employers and job training opportunities. We’re proud to join the City of Philadelphia in working to ensure all teens have productive and safe summers.”rnrnMayor Nutter added, “I would like to thank the sponsors of today’s Fair including Wawa, Temple University, Santander, and the employers who helped to ensure that young people have employment and volunteer opportunities this summer. I would also like to thank our partners for their work creating this important event: Fun Safe Philly Summer, PhillyGoes2College, Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services, the Philadelphia Youth Commission, KEYSPOTs, Philadelphia Works, the Philadelphia Youth Network, SERVE Philadelphia and PhillyRising.”rnrnIn addition, Santander provided interested youth with free checking accounts; the Graduation Coaches Campaign provided information to parents and adults about paying for college and helping students graduate from high school; and Career Wardrobe, which provides individuals with work-ready clothing and career skills, hosted a career fashion show highlighting appropriate work attire.rnrnParticipants who attended the workshops were entered in to a raffle drawing including tickets to Phillies games in the Mayor’s box, as well as gift cards to Wawa, Starbucks and Fun Safe Philly Summer t-shirts.rnrnFor more information on summer youth programming options and for a full list of program start dates and times, call 3-1-1 or log on to www.funsafephillysummer.com. Follow Fun Safe Philly Summer on Twitter @PhillySummer or on Tumblr atwww.funsafephillysummer.tumblr.com.rnrn###rnrnAbout Fun Safe Philly SummerrnFun Safe Philly Summer is an Office of Mayor Michael A. Nutter, city-wide, partnered initiative to provide Philadelphia youth with resources for programming and opportunities to stay active and engaged all summer long. To find, available programming, fun, free activities and a summer meal location near you, log on to www.funsafephillysumer.com or follow FSPS on Twitter @PhillySummer. rnrnAbout Wawa, Inc.rnWawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, Pa, in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and “certified” process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960’s, Grahame Wood, George’s grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for fresh, built-to-order foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services, and surcharge-free ATM’s. A chain of more than 640 convenience retail stores (over 365 offering gasoline), Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia and Central Florida. The stores offer a large fresh food service selection, including Wawa brands such as built-to-order hoagies, freshly-brewed coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches, built-to-order Specialty Beverages, and an assortment of soups, sides and snacks.rnrnAbout SantanderrnSantander Bank, N.A. is one of the largest retail banks in the United States by deposits. Its main corporate offices are in Boston and it operates principally in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Santander’s 9,469 employees serve its 1.8 million customers through the Bank’s 706 branches, 2,074 ATMs, call centers, website and mobile app. For more information about Santander, visit www.santanderbank.com or call 877-768-2265.

With the World Cup starting June 12, soccer fans are more excited than ever this spring to gather with other fans in soccer bars as their favorite stars- and Europe’s best club teams- go head-to-head for the prestigious European trophy. FadÏŒ in Philadelphia, a popular destination spot for soccer fans year-round, anticipates a capacity crowd for the biggest Club competition of the year, the UEFA Champions League Final.rnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) April 27, 2014nnWarming up for World Cup 2014, soccer fans are more excited than ever this spring to gather with other fans in soccer bars to watch the best players in the world and their club teams go head-to-head for the prestigious European trophy. With the likes of legendary clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich playing (to name a few), the tournament teams have drawn record crowds throughout the soccer season. FadÏŒ in Philadelphia, the premier destination spot for soccer fans year-round since 2001, is once again anticipating a capacity crowd for the biggest European Club competition of the year- the UEFA Champions League Final on May 24.nnrnnnFadÏŒ will support loyal soccer fans with upgraded state-of-the art audio visual equipment and a full brunch menu available until 3pm. Viewers will arrive early to secure a table and enjoy food and drink specials. Passionate soccer fans in Philadelphia have come to expect an energized atmosphere that includes a live feed with sound on multiple HDTVs and supporters wearing their colors with pride. To understand more of what makes FadÏŒ an essential part of the soccer experience in Philadelphia, come see the UEFA Champions League Final on May 24.nnrnnnWhere: 1500 Locust Street | Philadelphia, PA 19102 | 215-893-9700nnrnnnWhen: Saturday, May 24 at 3pm ETnnrnnnOther Key Dates:rnnnMay 11 – Final day of the English Premier League (EPL)rnnnMay 17 – FA Cup FinalrnnnMay 27, June 1 and June 7 – US Men’s National Team “World Cup Send-Off Series”rnnnJune 12 – July 13 – World Cup 2014nnrnnnMedia Opportunities:rnnnThis spring, FadÏŒ will be crowded with expats and American soccer fans alike, enthusiastically supporting their teams and watching the title race in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Final. This is the perfect opportunity to preview what World Cup will mean to soccer fans of all nationalities and interest levels. Interviews and photo opportunities available.nnrnnnAbout FadÏŒ Irish Pub:rnnnFadó (pronounced f’doe) Irish Pub is distinguished by its genuine Irish hospitality, quality and craic (Gaelic for “good times”). Fadó was formed by three Irish and Irish-American entrepreneurs and opened in Atlanta in January 1996. FadÏŒ is well known for it’s imported Dublin decor, state of the art draught beer system and European sports experience, including soccer. A US Soccer bar, Fadó Irish Pub has enjoyed “best soccer bar” accolades year after year across multiple markets. The name, Fadó, is an Irish term that means “long, long ago” and chosen because FadÏŒ Irish Pub tells the story of Ireland’s rich and evolving Pub culture, which now includes craft beer, house cocktails and from-scratch cooking. Currently, Fado Irish Pub and, sister concept, Tigin Irish Pub are located in 14 different cities around the country including Atlanta, Annapolis, Austin, Chicago, Columbus, Washington D.C., Dallas, Denver, Philadelphia, New York, Miami, Stamford, St Louis, and Seattle. Follow along the chatter on @fadophiladelphia and http://www.facebook.com/fadophilly.

135-Unit-Plus Booming Pretzel Franchise Provides All Guests with Free Pretzels on April 26th, 2014rnPhiladelphia (PRWEB) April 21, 2014rnrnWhoever said there is “no such thing as a free lunch” will eat their words on Saturday, April 26th when Philly Pretzel Factory gives away a free pretzel to every single guest who enters one of the 135 franchised stores in celebration of National Pretzel Day.rnrn“The entire Philly Pretzel Factory franchise system and our customers look forward to National Pretzel Day every year as the biggest and best day of the year,” said Dan DiZio, CEO and co-founder of Philly Pretzel Factory. “We love treating our customers to a free pretzel all day because we think it is important to show them how valued they are to us, and to let them know we wouldn’t be where we are today as the best Philly style pretzel bakery that exists without their continued devotion to our brand.”rnrnFor seven years, Philly Pretzel Factory embraces National Pretzel Day as a fun celebration to give back to the communities who truly love their products. Franchisees nationwide have been preparing for the day for weeks, and have already successfully garnered a great following from their local neighborhoods. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have been a big element in promoting the national holiday and many fans have turned to these platforms to interact with the brand on a more personal level.rnrn“Much of the success and popularity for National Pretzel Day stems from our social media outlets, where fans have gathered to share stories, post photos and extend their in-store experience,” DiZio said. “We’re 85,000-plus fans strong and continuously growing – I’m looking forward to witnessing the event in-store and online to see all our fans celebrating together.”rnrnNational Pretzel Day was founded in 1983 when Philadelphia Rep. Robert S. Walker declared his favorite food was deserving of its own holiday. In April of 2003, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell declared April 26 “National Pretzel Day” to honor and recognize the importance of the German treat in the state’s long history.rnrnDuring the time of the first declaration, but long before Philly Pretzel Factory was built, DiZio already had the talent and flair for selling the doughy delights. At the age of 11, DiZio would ride his bike to the corner of Southampton and Boulevard to sell his own pretzel creations in downtown Philadelphia. The young entrepreneur would sell five pretzels for $1, averaging a total sale of 1,000 pretzels per day. After giving a cut to the supplier, DiZio would pocket $100 and ride home.rnrnHoping to turn his corner pretzel stand into a bigger operation, DiZio partnered with college buddy Len Lehman in 1998 to create the first Philly Pretzel Factory blueprint. Since then, the brand has grown from a single location in Mayfair to a 135-plus-unit franchise with plans of opening 40 to 50 more locations in 2014 in Walmart locations in addition to the traditional storefront.rnrnPhilly Pretzel Factory’s motto, “Hot Outta the Oven,” ensures that each pretzel is enjoyably soft and satisfying, just as the original Philadelphia bakers had intended. Every pretzel is made from scratch with only the freshest ingredients and is twisted by hand, promising customers the highest level of quality and authenticity.rnrnFor more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/PhillyPretzel.rnrnABOUT PHILLY PRETZEL rnrnPhilly Pretzel Factory was founded in 1998 by college buddies Dan DiZio and Len Lehman who created a recipe unique to Philly, yet desired in any market. Today, the award-winning pretzel feeds customers at more than 100 franchised locations, primarily in the Northeast. For more information on Philly Pretzel Factory, visit http://www.phillypretzelfactory.com.rnnnrnrn

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014rnrnToday, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) filed a complaint against the Philadelphia City Commissioners for refusing to provide language assistance to Asian American voters, in violation of the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance (FPO).rnrnJerry Vattamala, staff attorney in AALDEF’s Democracy Program, said, “Asian American voters who are limited English proficient repeatedly have been unable to exercise their right to vote. This failure to provide Asian language assistance violates the FPO’s prohibition against discrimination on the basis of language.”rnrnNaturalized Asian American citizens who are limited English proficient (“LEP”) are a substantial segment of Philadelphia’s naturalized voters. The Commissioners have failed to provide adequate Asian language assistance through interpreters and translated voter registration forms, ballots, instruction forms, and exterior signage during elections. rnrnThe FPO protects anyone who lives in, works in, or visits Philadelphia from unlawful public accommodations discrimination, including national origin discrimination in the provision of city services. The Commissioners have violated the FPO by discriminating against LEP Asian American voters in the administration of elections, a city service.rnrnNancy Nguyen, Branch Manager of BPSOS-Delaware Valley, an organizational plaintiff that had urged the Commissioners to provide Asian language access, said, “Language should not be a barrier for any individual who wishes to exercise his or her protected right to vote as a citizen of this country. We watched person after person being turned away at the polls in multiple elections due to language barriers. A vote lost is a voice silenced–we cannot allow this to continue.”rnrnThe Commissioners provided only four Asian language interpreters for the entire city of Philadelphia for the 2012 Presidential Election, despite a history of documented need for Asian language interpreters in particular areas, such as South Philadelphia.rnrnRahat N. Babar, APABA-PA President, said, “As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we must ensure that all citizens, regardless of national origin, can meaningfully exercise their fundamental right to vote. This complaint seeks to protect Philadelphia’s most vulnerable voters.”rnrnVattamala said: “Asian LEP voters in Philadelphia will continue to experience unlawful public accommodations discrimination without an order of relief from the PCHR.”

Philadelphia non-profit founder David Hersh will compete in the Challenge Atlantic City Ironman-distance triathlon in June to help increase access to educational opportunities for under-served children locally and around the world.rnrnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) April 18, 2014rnrnMost people consider completing a marathon to be a significant challenge. On June 29th in Atlantic City, David Hersh will be attempting to complete one after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112. The effort is part of a campaign launched by The Endeleo Project, a non-profit Hersh founded with a law school colleague to increase access to educational opportunities for under-served populations around the world.rnrn”Endurance races are a good way to raise awareness about the great work our partner organizations are doing,” said Hersh. “I wanted this race to reflect the scale of our goals and the level of sacrifice and commitment our partners are making to help children every day. So it had to be big.”rnThe Endeleo Project, which supports partners serving disadvantaged populations from Philadelphia to Kenya, certainly has big ambitions. The current campaign will help fund education projects for each of the organization’s partners. For example, The Endeleo Project hopes to finance after-school and back-to-school programs in northwest Philadelphia, the purchase of farm land for subsistence farming and vocational education in rural Kenya, and supplemental schooling programs in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.rnrnThe goal is not just financial, however. “In a way, we are trying to change the way people see the world. We learn so much of the negative side: crime, poverty, war, disasters. We rarely learn about the positive, hopeful stories of great people doing great things for others. What’s more uplifting and hopeful than people devoting their lives to ensuring that disadvantaged children have brighter futures? How different might we feel about the world if these were the stories that we saw every day?”rnrnTo make the connection between his organization’s goals and his desire to test his own limits, Hersh needed to find the right race. He found a perfect match in Challenge Atlantic City and its race director, Robert Vigorito. Says Hersh, “Bob was supportive from the beginning. He and the Challenge Family really seem to get what it’s all about. Success as a charity and success as a triathlete is about dreaming big and making the sacrifices necessary to turn those dreams into reality.”rnrnDreaming big comes easy to Hersh, but is he hoping he does not have to do it alone. Challenge Atlantic City has reserved ten race slots for The Endeleo Project and Hersh is working to recruit teammates. “I am not the only one willing to go to great lengths for something I believe in. Hopefully we can provide a platform for others who are similarly inspired.”rnrnTo view a video about the campaign and The Endeleo Project’s partners, visit the campaign page. For general information, visit Endeleo on the web at http://www.endeleoproject.org, on Twitter at @endeleoproject, or on Facebook.You can also view their You Tube videos.