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2006-07 76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott Award Winners
The Philadelphia 76ers introduced a new program entitled “76ers Hometown Heroes” during the 2001-02 season and continued the program in the 2002-03 season. The program awarded two tickets to “an everyday hero in the community” to a 76ers home game during the season.
“After a successful launch to the program in 2001-02, where we recognized the efforts of 27 people and groups at our home games, we wanted to continue to distinguish the people in our community who are considered “heroes” and who might not receive the recognition they deserve,” Lara Price, senior vice president, said. “We look for this program to shine a spotlight on the true heroes in our community and thank them in front of our home crowd.”
On November 5, 2004, the 76ers Hometown Hero Award was renamed in the honor of Alex Scott. It is now called the "76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott" award.
The Philadelphia 76ers are no longer accepting nominations for its 2006-07 76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott program.
all photos courtesy of Jesse D Garrabrant NBAE/Getty Images
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April |
April 17 - Jeffery Abramowitz of Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia 76ers will honor Jeffery Abramowitz of Philadelphia, Pa., as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Cavaliers game on Tuesday, April 17, 2007.
For over a decade, Abramowitz has been a major participant with the American Cancer Society’s Annual Bike-A-Thon, an event that raises money, awareness and the spirits of those affected by the disease. He has consistently been instrumental in making the Bike-A-Thon one of the largest of its kind and has also been one of its biggest fundraisers. Last year, Abramowitz was the chairman of the event, which featured 4,500 riders and raised over $1.7 million. This year Abramowitz’s goal is to have 5,000 riders and raise $2 million. The 2007 Bike-A-Thon will be on Sunday, July 15. .
April 14 - World B. Free
The Philadelphia 76ers will honor World B. Free as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Magic game on Sunday, April 14, 2007.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Free was drafted by the 76ers in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft. Over the course of his 13-year career Free poured in almost 18,000 points ranking him 51st among all time scorers in NBA history. Free’s career in the NBA has been paralleled by his accomplishments in communities of the Delaware Valley. Free makes over 150 appearances a year on behalf of the Sixers, speaking to children and adults about the dangers of drugs, violence and the importance of education. He also makes hospital visits three times a year during the Christmas, Easter and Halloween seasons.
This year also marks World B. Free’s 12th year as the host of The Philadelphia 76ers Summer Hoops Tour, a series of 40 basketball clinics throughout the Tri-state area. In November of 2006, Free received the Great Friend to Kids Award from the Please Touch Museum for his outstanding work off the court. He was also honored with The Eddie Gottlieb Award for his outstanding contributions to basketball and The Philadelphia Sports Congress Community Service Award in 2005.
“The 76ers Hometown Hero” program gives the Sixers organization an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the people and groups at our home games. We wanted to continue to honor people in our community who are considered ‘heroes’ and who might not receive the recognition they deserve,” Lara Price, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, said. “We look for this program to shine a spotlight on the true heroes in our community and thank them in front of our home crowd.”
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April 10 - Darryl R. Barkley of Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Darryl R. Barkley of Philadelphia, Pa. as “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers vs. Pacerss game on Tuesday, April 10, 2007.
In 2004, Barkley founded the Platinum All-Stars Basketball Association, a powerful youth educational and crime prevention program. Barkley developed the program to provide at-risk and disadvantaged inner-city youth, ages 12-18, with skills and knowledge necessary to further their academic and personal success. He recognized that creating an innovative basketball program would not only keep children off the streets, but also lend them support. Additionally, Platinum All-Stars provides the youth with counseling, anger management and conflict resolution in an effort to decrease their chances of engaging in negative behaviors.
“The 76ers Hometown Hero” program gives the Sixers organization an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the people and groups at our home games. We wanted to continue to honor people in our community who are considered ‘heroes’ and who might not receive the recognition they deserve,” Lara Price, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, said. “We look for this program to shine a spotlight on the true heroes in our community and thank them in front of our home crowd.”
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April 6 - David Russo of Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia 76ers honored David Russo of Philadelphia, Pa. as “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers vs. Raptors game on Friday, April 6, 2007.
After being diagnosed with leukemia in July, Russo set up a candy stand to aid others that share his disease. The 7-year-old has generated hundreds of dollars from his hospital room candy store, which has most recently been donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s of the Greater Delaware Valley’s Light the Night campaign. Light the Night raises money for cancer research and patient services. Russo, his family and friends participated in the event and over the course of two months raised $7,135. Russo, a first-grader at St. Richard’s in South Philadelphia, hopes to raise $10,000 at next year’s Light the Night.
“The 76ers Hometown Hero” program gives the Sixers organization an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the people and groups at our home games. We wanted to continue to honor people in our community who are considered ‘heroes’ and who might not receive the recognition they deserve,” Lara Price, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, said. “We look for this program to shine a spotlight on the true heroes in our community and thank them in front of our home crowd.”
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March |
March 30 - Joan Applegate of Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Joan Applegate of Philadelphia, Pa. as “76ers Hometown Hero” for her commitment to the American Cancer Society at the Sixers vs. Celtics game on Friday, March 30.
Applegate dedicated over a decade to coordinating childhood and young adult cancer programs. Because of her efforts, the Philadelphia chapter of the American Cancer Society became the only chapter to successfully implement young adult cancer programs, including the January Conference and the Moving On program. This past December, Applegate retired, but continues to be an advocate and provide support to all young adult cancer survivors.
“The 76ers Hometown Hero” program gives the Sixers organization an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the people and groups at our home games. We wanted to continue to honor people in our community who are considered ‘heroes’ and who might not receive the recognition they deserve,” Lara Price, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, said. “We look for this program to shine a spotlight on the true heroes in our community and thank them in front of our home crowd.”
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March 18 - Collen Hardman of Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia 76ers will honor Colleen Hardman of Philadelphia, Pa. as the "76ers Hometown Hero" at the Sixers-Rockets game on Sunday, March 18, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Hardman is a dedicated caretaker and volunteer with Children’s Choice, an organization that serves over 1,000 less fortunate children in four states and the District of Columbia. Children’s Choice was born on April 1, 1982 in Chester, Pa. and currently has over 70 homeless children from the Philadelphia area in its care. Not only does Hardman perform her day-to-day duties with Children’s Choice, she also sacrifices her own time to inspire and uplift the kids by bringing them to their first 76ers games. Hardman has been bringing children to Sixers games since November of 2006 when the Sixers began donating tickets to Children’s Choice.
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March 16 - Chrissy Wright
The 76ers will honor Chrissy Wright of Collegeville, Pa., as the “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott.” A junior at Perkiomen Valley High School, Wright initiated a book drive in the school district and local book stores and will donate nearly 200 books to Andre’s Book Drive. Wright will be presented the 76ers Hometown Hero award at the first timeout of the first quarter at center court.."
“The 76ers Hometown Hero” program gives the Sixers organization an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the people and groups at our home games. We wanted to continue to honor people in our community who are considered ‘heroes’ and who might not receive the recognition they deserve,” Lara Price, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, said. “We look for this program to shine a spotlight on the true heroes in our community and thank them in front of our home crowd.”
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March 14 - Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff
The Philadelphia 76ers honored music legends Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff as the "76ers Hometown Heroes" at the Sixers-Bulls game on Wednesday, March 14, 2007. The "76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott" program recognizes "everyday heroes in the community."
Gamble and Huff set the standard for post-Motown dance music and transformed the City of Brotherly Love into the Mecca of 1970's soul music. Considered the godfathers of world-renowned "Philly Sound," they have over 3000 songs to their credit such as "For the Love of Money," "If You Don't Know Me By Now," and "Love Train." The Grammy-winning duo has composed and produced over 175 gold and platinum recordings for several artists including The O'Jays, Patti Labelle, Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, and The Jackson's among many others. Gamble and Huff songs have also been recorded by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross and the Temptations. Both Gamble and Huff received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards and were inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. Their record label, Philadelphia International Records, has become one of the most widely sampled Soul and R&B catalogs in the world.
Gamble and Huff have used their influence and stature to help clean up the inner cities and give hope to at-risk urban youth. Kenneth Gamble's Universal Companies is one of Philadelphia's leading community enterprises with restaurants, bookstores and low-income housing. Leon Huff has also received numerous civic awards in Philadelphia and Camden for his contributions.
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March 9- April Holmes of Somerdale, NJ.
The two Philadelphia sports teams that call the Wachovia Center home honored April Holmes of Somerdale, NJ for her accomplished athletic career despite losing her leg in a tragic train accident in 2001. First, the Philadelphia 76ers will honor Holmes as the "76ers Hometown Hero" for the Sixers vs. Los Angeles Lakers game on Friday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wachovia Center. The next day, the Philadelphia Flyers will honor Holmes as a "Flyers Community Teammate" during the Flyers vs. Boston Bruins game on Saturday, March 10 at 1 p.m. at the Wachovia Center.
In 2001, Holmes, a former track standout at Camden High and Norfolk State University, faced tragedy when her left foot and ankle were severed after she slipped at 30th Street Station and fell into the path of a speeding, oncoming train. Unfortunately, despite surgeons' best efforts, her leg was amputated below her left knee. Instead of dwelling over her new condition, Holmes was fitted with a prosthetic leg to continue to achieve her track dreams. Last year, Holmes won two gold medals at the World Championships in Netherlands. She also recently set new world records in the 100, 200 and 400 meters for amputees as well as earned a bronze medal in the long jump at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece. With determination to overcome her own obstacles and help others do the same, Holmes has established the April Holmes Foundation and now uses her experiences and conviction to uplift others facing physical and learning disabilities. In January 2007 Holmes was named the most courageous athlete by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.
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March 7- William Brawner of Philadelphia, PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored William Brawner of Philadelphia, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Sonics game on Wednesday, March 7, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
William Brawner, now twenty-seven years old contracted HIV at the age of 18 months through a blood transfusion. Since then, Brawner has devoted his time to coordinating citywide HIV testing events. In addition to the testing events, he also facilitates support groups for adolescents, and develops prevention and intervention workshops. Brawner will soon be developing an HIV positive recreation center for children, HAVEN Youth Center Inc., and will also co-chair the 13th Annual Ryan White National Youth Conference on HIV.
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March 4- Daniel and Anthony Matarese of Yardley, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Daniel and Anthony Matarese of Yardley, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Nets game on Sunday, March 4, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Anthony, 12, and Daniel, 11, recently established the program, “Cuddle Buddies 4 Kids.” The program collects new stuffed animals and baby blankets for shelters and non-profit organizations that care for abused or homeless children. Anthony and Daniel originally started their mission for children affected in the October 2006 Amish school shooting, but decided to broaden their services to other children in need as well.
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March 2- Lissa Hilsee of Philadelphia,PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Lissa Hilsee of Philadelphia, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Grizzlies game on Friday, Mar. 2, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Formerly Vice President of Union Bank of Switzerland in Washington D.C, Hilsee turned her focus to the city of Brotherly Love by founding Greater Philadelphia Cares, an organization that spurs the rejuvenation of communities in the the region. Now, as President and CEO of Greater Philadelphia Cares, Hilsee manages planning community and corporate relations and fundraising efforts. Greater Philadelphia Cares was recently named Non-Profit of the Year by the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Hilsee also received the Joanne Bowman Community Service Award for exemplifying the true spirit of Goodwill through her volunteer mobilization efforts. Outside of Greater Philadelphia Cares, Hilsee mentors children and acts as a ‘Big Sister.’
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February |
February 28- Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati of Philadelphia,PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati of Philadelphia, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Suns game on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Lloyd-Sgambati is the founder of the African-American Children’s Book Project, an initiative that promotes and preserves African-American children’s books. On Feb. 3, nearly 4,000 kids attended the 15th Annual African-American Children’s Book Fair at the Community College of Philadelphia gymnasium; an event that originally began as a grassroots department-store display for Black History Month.
Her mission began in 1992 after realizing that few books were geared toward teaching young African-Americans positive, educational stories about their culture and history. Lloyd-Sgambati also founded The Literary, a public relations firm that specializes in literary ventures and is the co-host of The Literary Review on WDAS-AM in Philadelphia.
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February 26- Jim Ellis of Philadelphia,PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Jim Ellis of Philadelphia, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Kings game on Monday, Feb. 26, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Ellis founded the Philadelphia Department of Recreation (P.D.R.) Swim Team in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia at a time when the lives of young African-American teens in Philadelphia were burdened with poverty and prejudice. Thirty-six years later, the program stands as a nationally recognized competitive swim team and one of the nation’s predominately African-American team. Lionsgate’s upcoming theatrical release, PRIDE, starring recent Oscar® nominee Terrence Howard and popular comedian Bernie Mac, was inspired by the true story of how Ellis positively affected a group of troubled inner-city kids and the life lessons he taught them. PRIDE will be released on March 23 in theaters across the country.
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February 21- Sally Berlin of Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers will honor Sally Berlin of Philadelphia, Pa., as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Knicks game on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Berlin is best known for her 35 years of dedication to the Philadelphia Police Athletic League, which serves 23,000 young people at 27 centers in the city of Philadelphia. Serving as the director of communications development for the organization, Berlin spearheaded the fundraising of millions of dollars, directed the Annual Awards Dinner fundraiser, and established PAL’s highly successful scholarship program. Now retired, Berlin continues to serve as a board member and as a consultant for PAL.
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February 11- Andrea Mills of Levittown, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers will honor Andrea Mills of Levittown, Pa., as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Mavericks game on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Mills founded the Andrea Mills Foundation in the hope of empowering people through training and teaching the concepts necessary to reach their goals and dreams. As part of her mission to help others reach their goals, Mills created the “Simply Outrageous” youth brand, which trains educators, community leaders and parents how to teach children key concepts regarding business management, career development and life skills. In addition, Mills developed the Calvin Ray Mills Scholarship Award in memory of her father, the Andrea Mills Foundation Essay Contest focusing on financial literacy and entrepreneurship and a Stock Market Class for kids.
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February 9- Robin Rawles of Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Robyn Rawles of Philadelphia, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Clippers game on Friday, Feb. 9, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Last year, Rawles was named the Jr. NBA/WNBA Coach of the Year and is currently a coach for La Liga del Barrio, the 76ers Latino youth basketball league. While attending Central High School in Philadelphia, she won city championships in both basketball and softball. After graduating from Florida International University in Miami, Rawles returned to Philadelphia and has dedicated her life to helping young people achieve their goals through sports and education.
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February 7- Bradley Neville of Levittown, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers will honored Bradley Neville of Levittown, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Bobcats game on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
After avoiding a possible fatal head injury from a bicycle accident at nine years old, Neville spoke during Senate hearings throughout National Safe Kids Week in Washington, D.C. Neville was also named “National Safety Star” by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Nine years after his accident, Neville continues to speak at schools and community centers about the importance of safety. With the help of Tour De France winner Greg LeMond, Neville also designs helmets which he donates to less fortunate children in Montgomery County.
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February 5 - Matt Impink of Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored University of Pennsylvania senior Matt Impink as the “76ers Hometown Hero” at the Sixers-Nets game on Monday, Feb 5, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Impink founded the Penn West Philadelphia Basketball League as a sophomore at UPenn in 2004. The league is run by volunteers who provide a safe and fun learning experience for the children of West Philadelphia. The league hosts games, offers instructional sessions and conducts team-work building exercises. Impink, a senior at University of Pennsylvania, volunteers countless hours to managing the league and teaching kids the importance teamwork and community.
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February 2 - Bikim Brown of Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers will honor Bikim Brown of Philadelphia as the “76ers Hometown Hero” at the Sixers-Warriors game on Friday, Feb. 2, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Brown is actively involved in the Southwest Philadelphia community where he serves as Deacon of The Seventh Day Adventist Church. Brown has committed to mentoring young people and imparting life skills through teaching strong Christian values. He began mentoring when he was 16 years old at a Philadelphia YMCA and has continued to do so for over 10 years. In 2005, Brown founded “Mentoring for Power,” a non-profit organization dedicated to helping minimize the devastating effects of father-absenteeism and fostering positive self-esteem.
Brown has received several awards for his outstanding work in the field of mentoring such as Mentor of the Month for Big Brothers/Big Sisters in 2002 and an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Mentoring in the Amanichi program. Currently Brown is using his talents and skills at The Better Way Christian Academy in Philadelphia where he serves as the physical education instructor, computer teacher and mentor.
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January |
January 26- Samantha Johnson of Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Samantha Johnson of Philadelphia, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Cavaliers game on Friday, Jan. 26, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
A 2006 graduate of Temple University, Johnson won the crown to become Miss Pennsylvania USA® 2007 in her first pageant competition. In addition to becoming Miss Pennsylvania, Johnson now actively works with organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Sisters of Hope and Faith, and the AIDS Fund Organization. With experience working at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Johnson will now embark on a non-profit project, Republic of Promise, which will benefit children in Liberia. Johnson will compete for the title of Miss USA in the spring of 2007, aired live on NBC.
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January 23 - Lisa Gilliam Ruffin of Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Lisa Gilliam Ruffin of Philadelphia, Pa. at the Sixers-Hornets game on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Ruffin is a physical education teacher at Saint Martin De Porres Catholic School, a Recreation Leader with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation and a counselor at Lonnie Young Recreation Center. She educates and mentors young people through sports-based programs. Ruffin currently supports a 12-year-old girls’ basketball team, a 10-and-under girls’ basketball team, instructional basketball camps and a Sixers Neighborhood Basketball League. Ruffin’s inspiration comes from her love of the game of basketball and her joy of giving back to the community. A native of North Philadelphia, Ruffin was an all-state basketball player at Dobbins High School from 1980-1984.
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January 19 - Rebecca Afman of Philadelphia, PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Rebecca Afman of Philadelphia, Pa. as the “76ers Hometown Hero” for the Sixers-Heat game on Friday, Jan. 19, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Afman is a member of the National Student Speech Language & Hearing Association. She volunteers her time to help young children with Autism and assists children that have Cerebral Palsy and Down’s Syndrome to develop and improve speech patterns. Afman graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Cum Laude and currently works toward her master’s degree in speech and language pathology at Temple University.
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January 15 - Rev. Anthony Waters of Philadelphia, PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Rev. Anthony Waters of Philadelphia at the Sixers-Raptors game on Monday, Jan. 15, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Rev. Waters is renowned in several communities in the tri-state area for selflessly reaching out to those in need. A rags-to-riches story, Waters was born and raised in the tough streets of North and South Philadelphia. After a devastating car accident left him paralyzed in 1992, Waters founded the New Creation Bible Institute. He is currently the Director of the Men’s Ministry of Philadelphia and Delaware and has built a community youth center in South Philadelphia. Never dwelling on his injury, Waters encourages people to strive for a positive future and never give up.
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January 12 - Laura Wilson of Nottingham, PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Laura Wilson of Nottingham, Pa. at the Sixers-Bucks game on Friday, Jan. 12, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Wilson is Director of Mentors Matter at the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, a program that pairs Chester County teens with mentors ages 50 years and older. The program focuses on helping at-risk youth through their adolescence to make positive life decisions. Through television and radio venues Wilson has successfully reached out to various youth centers, church groups, and the Chester County school district.
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January 9 - Edna Williams of Philadelphia, PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Edna Williams of Philadelphia at the Sixers-Pistons game on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
Every day for 30 years, Williams has been feeding hundreds of homeless and the under-privileged out of the Mary Jane Hotel on Ridge Avenue in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, an area that has been enveloped by poverty and drug dealing. Since the 1970s, Williams has also donated clothing to hundreds of people every day. Even after Philadelphia shrank its homelessness budget and cut its funding to the Mary Jane Hotel, Williams continued to provide her services to people in need thanks to donations from individuals and local churches.
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December |
December 23 - Kelly Macauley of Langhorne, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Kelly Macauley as a “76ers Hometown Hero” at the Sixers-Knicks game on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards the honoree two tickets to a Sixers game.
The department chair for the Family Consumer Science Department for the Neshaminy School District, and a teacher at Maple Point Middle School, Macauley is involved in developing programs to help students make healthy eating choices. She received a federal grant to help make fresh fruit and vegetables available to students everyday at no cost. Macauley also encourages her students to serve their communities by putting together ‘Kit and Kareboodle’ packages for patients at St. Christopher’s Hospital, and baking healthy bread for Thanksgiving food baskets.
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December 20 - Ronald Adams of Philadelphia, PA .
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Philadelphia School Police Officer Ronald Adams as a “76ers Hometown Hero” at the Sixers-Pacers game on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards the honoree two tickets to a Sixers game.
Adams has played an integral role in helping the administration at Overbrook High School cultivate a family-like atmosphere amongst the students and faculty. His influence helps foster an atmosphere that encourages mutual respect, self respect, ethics, high achievement and character building. He coordinates the security efforts at the school and has been personally responsible for detecting and thwarting the efforts of major infractions such as drugs and weapons. Additionally, Adams also works for the school’s E.O.P Program which assists students over the age of seventeen to earn eight credits towards their high school diploma.
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December 13 - William Hall of Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored William Hall of Philadelphia, Pa., as the “76ers Hometown Hero” at the Sixers - Celtics game on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards the honoree two tickets to a Sixers game.
Hall founded the Hall & Lowry Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides low-income children and their families funding to attend art museums, the Camden Aquarium, concerts, the circus, Disney on Ice, as well as 76ers, Soul, and Phillies games. This year their Christmas Toy Drive collected enough money to sponsor over two hundred children and their families with toys. The foundation also organizes speakers to talk to the children about the importance of education.
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December 11 - Frank and Karen McKee of Newton Square, Pa.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Frank and Karen McKee of Newton Square, Pa., as the “76ers Hometown Heroes” at the Sixers-Trail Blazers game on Monday, Dec. 11, 2006. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
The McKees worked with ‘Homes For Our Troops’ to build a home for Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Pisey Tan, a double amputee. The McKee’s supervised the construction, and all fundraising for the labor and materials needed to build the $300,000 home in Woodlyn, Pa. Frank and Karen are turning over the keys to Pisey’s new home that he will share with his mother and younger brother during a ceremony on December 14th.
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December 8 - Robert Atkins and Daniel Hart of Cherry Hill, NJ.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Cherry Hill N.J., residents Robert Atkins and Daniel Hart as “76ers Hometown Heroes” at the Sixers-Wizards game on Friday, Dec. 8, 2006. Atkins and Hart founded STARR (Sports Teaching Adolescents Responsibility and Resiliency), a Camden-based, non-profit organization in 1995 as an outreach program focusing on youth development. The all-volunteer program promotes responsibility and resiliency through sports, community service, academic enrichment, and the chance to form meaningful relationships with devoted adults. Several hundred children have participated in the program’s activities such as Pine Barrens canoe trips, planting trees, visiting museums, and annual weeklong summer-camp trips to Vermont.
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December 3 - Temple University’s Football Program.
Temple University’s Football Program was honored as “76ers Hometown Heroes” at the Sixers-Timberwolves game on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards the honoree two tickets to a Sixers game. The senior members of this year’s team along with the coaching staff will accept the award on behalf of the entire team at center court during the first time-out of the first quarter.
Recently the Temple University football team reached out to the community by donating a total of $3,290 to the Adam Taliaferro Foundation and the Fahmarr McElrathbey Trust Fund. The funds were raised when the team unanimously voted to contribute their per diem on two separate occasions. Support personnel provided additional donations as well. The donations are part of “Owl Outreach,” an initiative through which members of the football team engage in activities such as visiting schools and hospitals, mentoring children, and various other community service activities.
Before playing Buffalo (Aug. 31), the Owls also made a donation to The Adam Taliaferro Foundation in the name of Shykem Lawrence, a Woodrow Wilson High School safety who suffered a severe spinal cord injury while playing in a game. Before playing Clemson (Oct. 12), the Owls made a donation to The Fahmarr McElrathbey Trust Fund which assists Ray Ray McElrathbey, a Clemson football player who is currently the legal guardian of his 11-year-old brother, Fahmarr.
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November
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November 24 - Bruce Paul Grefe of Blue Anchor, N.J.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Bruce Paul Grefe of Blue Anchor, N.J., as the “76ers Hometown Hero” at the Sixers-Bulls game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2006. The “76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott” program recognizes “an everyday hero in the community” and awards two tickets to a Sixers game.
An art history, painting, and film teacher for Creative Arts High School, Grefe, shares the excitement of learning with his students by bringing lessons beyond the classroom, and creating murals throughout the city. He is dedicated to helping students gain a discipline and appreciation of the arts. Grefe was the name the 2006 Teacher of the Year by The New Jersey Council for Humanities, an honor given to those who use creative ways to teach humanities.
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November 21 - Yusuf Bangura, Calem Bridgette and Markeyse Carter from Overbrook Highschool.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored three Overbrook High School students – Yusuf Bangura, Calem Bridgette and Markeyse Carter – as “76ers Hometown Heroes” at the Sixers-Detroit game on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006. As Bangura, Bridgette and Carter were walking home from football practice on Sept. 2, they smelled what they described as a “serious barbeque” on W. Girard Ave. near 55th Street around 7 p.m. The boys then spotted a house with smoke pouring from the top and heard a woman yelling for help. Bangura immediately ran inside the burning house to help, followed by his two teammates. After injuring himself on the banister, Bangura ran upstairs and found Rosa Lewis, 87, in a back room. He picked her up and carried her outside to safety. Once returning outside, the terror was far from over. Bangura, who has severe asthma, began to suffer from an attack. Both Bangura and Lewis were taken to the hospital and were released shortly. Bridgette and Carter suffered no injuries.
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November 10 - Josh Cohen of St. Davids, PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored 12-year-old Josh Cohen of St. Davids, Pa., as the “76ers Hometown Hero” at the Sixers-Nuggets game on Friday, Nov. 10, 2006. As his Mitvah project in preparation for his Bar Mitvah in December, Cohen has collected non-perishable food items at ACME stores in the Main Line area on behalf of the Philadelphia 76ers and Steven’s Food Drive. Cohen has collected hundreds of canned and boxed food items and while showing his support for the Sixers.
“Collecting food for the 76ers Drive for Kids was an amazing experience,” said Cohen, a seventh grader at Radnor Middle School. “I could not believe the generosity of many of the people I met. I never realized how easy it is to help others and have fun at the same time. It felt great to help other kids less fortunate than me.”
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November 5 - Isaac Johnstone of Laverock, PA.
The Philadelphia 76ers honored Isaac “Ike” Johnstone of Laverock, Pa., as the “76ers Hometown Hero” at the Sixers-Heat game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. A retired Temple police officer, Johnstone realized horses could build children’s self-confidence and strength. For more than 10 years Johnstone has been running a program that has allowed hundreds of underprivileged children from Philadelphia to interact with horses at the Bill Pickett Riding Academy, located in West Fairmont Park. The program allows children to take horseback riding lessons, and how to properly care for the horses.
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November 1 - Philadelphia Residents Nydemia McFadden and Tiffany Barnes
The Philadelphia 76ers honored 10-year-old Nydemia McFadden and Philadelphia 9-1-1 phone operator Tiffany Barnes as the “Hometown Heroes” at their season-opener against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Nov. 1. McFadden, with the help of Barnes, delivered her baby brother, Yakin, on Saturday, Oct. 14 in her home. McFadden’s mother was not due for two more weeks, but around 6 a.m. on Saturday, she went into labor. Barnes, 24, a rookie dispatcher, clocked into work early Saturday morning and received her first call from McFadden. It was her first time coaching a delivery in only a year of work, but together the young girl and Barnes, safely delivered the baby boy. The game will be the first time the two meet face-to-face.
2005-2006 Hometown Heroes Winners
2004-2005 Hometown Heroes Winners
For more information on how to donate to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fund go to www.alexslemonade.com.
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