Good Things Happen in Philly #goodphilly
When I started Unless three years ago, I began posting a “good news” article on LinkedIn every week. I call it “Good Things Happen in Philly.” These stories about business leaders, companies, ordinary citizens and causes remind me that while the world can be a tough and challenging place, there are good things happening, in Philly, and everywhere, always.
Another year has passed, so let’s remember the 52 good things (and many others not on my list) that happened in 2023. Look forward to collaborating and creating impact in the coming year.
Sports Community
The Philadelphia Eagles donated money in honor of Damar Hamlin. Meek Mill, Kevin Hart and Michael Rubin donate money to Philadelphia schools. Steelers fan donates heart to Eagles fan. Toyota dealers donate food. Chiefs fans donate money to Jason Kelce’s charity. NASCAR driver, Kyle Larson, donates money to Urban Youth Racing School. Fanatics, Sixers and Eagles give away merch to students. Hassan Reddick and Campbell’s team up to fight food insecurity. Philadelphia Wings expand Sticks for Students program. Philadelphia Union and EPYSA construct soccer pitches in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Eagles Christmas album is a hit and generates money for charity.
Citizens
Hanging with Heather, a Facebook live broadcast hosted by a woman with Down Syndrome, promotes Philadelphia businesses. Teenager fixes and donates bikes to children. Police Athletic League gathers prom dresses for students. VISIT Philadelphia donates money to Rock to the Future to honor Taylor Swift. Mompreneurs in South Philly raise money for charity. Philadelphia family donates organs of slain child to save another life. Bucks County couple funds 100 scholarships. Two sisters donate $3 million to preserve tract of land for Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Local musicians host Friendsgiving show to raise money for charity.
Local chefs team up to provide meals through the The People’s Kitchen. Returning citizen is revitalizing Philadelphia streets. Southern Flames BBQ honored for work employing returning citizens and educating about business. Philadelphia lawyer connects at risk youth to at risk animals – they help each other. Halloween Helpers collects and distributes costumes for kids. Grandmother shares Thanksgiving table with stranger, again.
Organizations
Philly AIDS Thrift Store donates money to 34 causes. Women-owned businesses raise money to support causes around the world. Live Nation donates $100,000 to Philadelphia schools. Tiger Woods Foundation funds education center at Cobb Creek Golf Course. Estadt-Lubert Collaborative is unveiled to provide $25 million to Project HOME to fight addiction. Taylor Swift invites The Ronan Foundation to concert – they donate $30,000 to CHOP. Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation donates 50,000 coats to children. Philadelphia School District bus tour distributes free school supplies. City of Philadelphia program keeps tenants in their apartments and gets landlords paid. PAR Recycle employs returning citizens to recycle electronic waste (and I made some donations!). Philadelphia hosts the largest baby shower to provide much needed supplies to families. Ardella’s House gets $150,000 from Google to help formerly incarcerated women. Give Kids Sight Day delivers hundreds of pairs of eyewear to students.
Companies
Live Casino donates big to Rebuild Philadelphia. Penn Community Bank hosts second annual Day of Service. Wawa launches Coffee and Care cart at Children’s Hospital. Bernie Robbins Jewelers donates company to employees. Temple University trustees raise money to support fallen officer’s children. Thirty partnerships between nonprofits and corporations are honored (including my own, Simon’s Heart). Some businesses are promoting sustainable options for gift giving this holiday season.
Potpurri
Old PECO building transformed into youth trade school. 184-year-old Bible donated to the Museum of the American Revolution. West Chester students raise $40,000 for CHOP. The City of Philadelphia promotes Shop Black leading up to the holidays.
My hope for all of us in the coming year is to see more good than bad in our homes, workplace and community. Wishing you a year of empathy, contentment and peace.