For two years, I have shared a Friday post called Good Things Happen in Philly. I was inspired to do this in 2020 after someone famously quoted “bad things happen in Philadelphia.” I thought, “sure, bad things happen everywhere, but a lot of good things happen here too. So, let’s call them out.” These are all examples of people and companies doing good things for others as part of their daily lives.
Another year has passed, so let’s remember the 52 good things (and many others not on my list) that happened in our city during 2022. Look forward to collaborating in the coming year.
Ordinary People
Two sisters decorated lawns in their neighborhood to raise money for charities. A teenager donates backpacks to homeless teens. Wharton grad donates his pizza charity to charity! Wharton grads launch a zero-waste delivery service. Philly native opens early childhood development schools. Philly local donates bikes to area children. Gary Shepherd is honored by Points of Light for his many contributions to the city. Mother and daughter create a banana mousse. PJBakes, a side hustle for an industrial designer, sells baked goods to fight racism. A blind alumnus donates $100,00o to his school to address disabilities. Local pharmacist uses crypto to feed homeless. Man skydives for charity. Woman launches app to build communities. Local filmmaker and family produce award-winning documentary on generational addiction. Teen mother and baby are given a new house.
Sports Community
A local coffee shop is honored by the Philadelphia 76ers a buy black program. Marc Zumoff’s new beer raises money for Philadelphia Youth Basketball. The Eagles donate to a high school girls flag football league. Stateside Vodka donated money to a Brooklyn shelter (remember Ben Simmons)? The Philadelphia Union and Subaru Stadium achieved zero landfill waste. Meek Mill, Kevin Hart and Michael Rubin donated $15M to Philadelphia schools. Jalen Hurts spends an entire day giving back.
Organizations
An organization brings children’s books to laundromats. JumpStart Philly created first time homeowners. Black Doctors’ Row is formally acknowledged by the historical society. Public high school teachers embrace climate change in the classroom. Local entrepreneurs get free rent in exchange for mentorship. Nonprofits unite to help Puerto Rico recovery efforts. Organizations work to get young voters to the polls. Comcast donates $1 million to 100 local businesses. Journalists and organizations unite to promote voter turnout. A tiny village is built to address homelessness.
Companies
Local brewery donates money to Ukraine. David’s Bridal launches Frontline Fierce and donates dresses to frontline workers. A law firm embarked on 25 days of giving to benefit 25 different causes. Do Good Food launched carbon-reduced chicken in Philly. Comcast launched Team Up to promote volunteerism. The first whiskey from black and brown farmed-wheat is introduced. Local organization donates 100 scholarships. Herr’s new chip flavor yields $10,000 donation for charity. Brown’s grocery stores boost minority-owned businesses. Aramark hosts annual day of service. Houston-based business donates mattresses to veterans in honor of Phillies. Billy Penn produces list of places to donate household items. A black-owned brewery is opened.
My hope for all of us in the coming year is to see more good than bad in our homes, workplaces and communities. Wishing you a year of prosperity, contentment and peace.