2020–2021 Community Impact Report a Message from Valerie Camillo
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PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 2020–2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT A MESSAGE FROM VALERIE CAMILLO JULY 1, 2021 This past year reinforced what we’ve always known: that our business is about so much more than sports and entertainment. We bring people together, create lasting bonds and memories, and help TABLE OF define the communities in which we operate. That’s an incredible blessing, and it comes with real responsibility that we take seriously. CONTENTS That’s why giving back has always been a central thread in Comcast Spectacor’s rich history, and over the last year, that was no different. In the face of a once-in-a-century global pandemic, we were able to make a significant impact on our communities. Over the course of the last year, we: • Supported frontline workers with meals, resources, and more; COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE ..................................................................................................... 4-7 • Launched an unprecedented vaccination campaign that made a real difference in Philadelphia and throughout the region; • Held innovative fundraisers such as the Virtual Gritty 5K and Commemorative Tickets FLYERS CHARITIES FUNDRAISERS ..................................................................................................... 8-9 to raise funds that were donated back into the community; • Launched the first cancer grant program–giving out $75,000 in funding to support CHARITABLE GIVING HIGHLIGHTS ........................................................................................................ 10 individuals and families living with cancer; • Invested fundraising dollars in local organizations growing the sport of hockey; COMMUNITY EVENTS & INITIATIVES ............................................................................................... 11-13 • Awarded a half-million dollars in advertising assets to local businesses who were struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic; • Started a new youth ball-hockey program aimed at financial accessibility; COMMUNITY NIGHTS AT WELLS FARGO CENTER .......................................................................... 14-15 • And so much more. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ............................................................................................................... 15 None of what we accomplished over the past year would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible employees, whose commitment and passion shone through more than ever before. As we look back on a challenging year, we’re excited, determined, and optimistic about what the future holds, and our commitment to the city of Philadelphia and the entire region is stronger than ever. Thank you for all of your support, VALERIE CAMILLO President of Business Operations for the Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center 3 COVID- 19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philadelphia Flyers took action in the community to honor and support our brave first responders and those most significantly impacted by the pandemic. COMMUNITY IMPACT RECAP Flyers Charities made a $250,000 donation to The Flyers announced Hockey Hall of Famer and Flyers Philabundance to provide more than 160,000 meals Alum Eric Lindros as an official team ambassador. Lindros to communities impacted by COVID-19. kicked off the partnership by joining the hockey club in participating in the ALL IN Challenge, a digital fundraiser Gritty, the Flyers and partners Brûlée Catering, Chick-Fil-A that raised $27,000 for COVID-19 hunger relief. and Coca-Cola worked together to deliver nearly 2,000 meals to frontline workers, veterans, and other impacted Gritty gave families in Delaware County a much-needed communities throughout lockdown. quarantine surprise as he traveled through Media, PA atop a firetruck to spread joy during quarantine. The Flyers loaned General Motors high-tech sanitation equipment, normally used for hockey gear, so that the company The Flyers and Brûlée Catering teamed up to deliver take- could sterilize face masks. With the help of these machines, home family dinners to working moms at Penn Medicine GM was able to produce over 1.5 million masks a month. in celebration of Mother’s Day. Flyers Charities teamed up with Abramson Senior Care to The Flyers donated t-shirts to SewFaceMasks Philly, set up a call program, Flyers Phone Mates, which paired an organization that made masks for frontline workers Comcast Spectacor employees with senior residents to and community members. create opportunities for companionship and conversation during this time of isolation. Dozens of employees The organization launched Flyers for Good Resource participated in the program, including Flyers head Guide as an online resource for Flyers fans to find new coach Alain Vigneault and Flyers Alumnus Danny Briere. ways to connect with each other and their communities while in quarantine. The guide included volunteer The Flyers and Flyers Charities sold team-branded and donation opportunities, at-home family activities, face masks to support local COVID-19 efforts, raising and new ways to experience Hockey at Home. $63,000 for the cause. Flyers Charities donated $10,000 to the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to help offset vaccination site costs as part of the Take Your Shot campaign. $350,000 IN 1.5 MILLION CASH DONATIONS 2,000+ MEALS MASKS to help vulnerable communities to frontline workers, veterans, were able to be produced, each during the pandemic and other impacted communities month, with the help of the throughout lockdown Flyers’ sanitation equipment 4 5 FRONTLINE FAMILY Rachel Garraway-Perez FRONTLINE FAMILIES To honor and thank local workers for their sacrifices during the pandemic, the Flyers Frontline Families powered by COMMUNITY RESPONSE BELFOR recognition program launched to host and honor a select frontline worker and their family during each home game of the 2020-2021 season. As part of the program, the frontline workers and their families were invited to enjoy live HOMETOWN ASSIST PROGRAM OVERVIEW Flyers hockey from within Wells Fargo Center. At the start of the season, while the arena was still closed to the public, In August of 2020, the Flyers awarded $500,000 in advertising and promotional assets to five local businesses impacted by FRONTLINE FAMILY these honored guests were the only lucky fans, besides COVID-19 through the Flyers Hometown Assist Program. The program received nearly 250 applicants in a one-week window, with Thao and Mike Nguyen the following five business being selected as awardees: Gritty, that got the watch the games live and in person. The program received nearly 1,400 nominations and hosted Byrne’s Tavern (3301 Richmond St, Port Richmond) – Rock Solid Contracting and Development (Wilmington, 112 frontline essential workers and their family members. Francis Byrne opened the tavern doors in 1978 and has DE) – Norman M. Oliver founded Rock Solid Contracting been continually serving the Port Richmond neighborhood and Development in 2006 with a vision to help improve the for 42 years. For four generations, the tavern has been infrastructure of inner cities while providing employment TAKE YOUR SHOT CAMPAIGN the go-to spot in Port Richmond for celebrating special and training to those who are underserved and impoverished. occasions. Through the years, Byrne’s Tavern has given Norman looks to continue the company’s mission based on As the COVID-19 vaccine started to become more readily back to the community through dedicated fundraisers principles of equality, experience, and service. available to the general population, we launched our and sponsorship of neighborhood athletic teams. Take Your Shot campaign to educate Philadelphians FRONTLINE FAMILY about the vaccination process and encourage them to get Philadelphia Hair Company (5805 Germantown Ave, Steve Footit vaccinated. The Flyers were the first franchise in the NHL BYRNE’S TAVERN Northwest Philadelphia) – A community leader in the Owner Francis Byrne & Sister Cathy Byrne Germantown neighborhood, Philadelphia Hair Company and the only professional sports team in Pennsylvania to (PHC) has been providing classic barber and hair services launch a wide-ranging COVID-19 vaccination program. to men, women, and children in the area since 1990. Offering more than just haircuts, PHC has taken great pride in its The Flyers and Gritty joined the Black Doctors COVID-19 mentorship efforts with young men in the community, Consortium for their walk-up vaccine clinic at Temple working with local youth organizations and schools to gather, University’s Liacouras Center. During the visit, Flyers collaborate, and build a stronger Philadelphia community. Charities donated $10,000 to the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to help offset vaccination site costs. FRONTLINE FAMILY PHILADELPHIA HAIR CO. Dr. Christopher Wong The Flyers and Gritty also surprised patients and health Owner Mark Lightfoot & Family care workers during a vaccine clinic run by Penn Medicine in Delaware County. Finally, in partnership with Penn Medicine, the Flyers hosted an in-game vaccine site at Wells Fargo Center during our final Denise’s Delicacies (2916 N 22nd St, North Philadelphia) – This second-generation, family-owned & operated business home game of the regular season – nearly 100 employees is a North Philadelphia staple known for delectable pastries, and ticket holders were vaccinated during the game. cakes, and treats. Originally founded by Denise Gause back in 1991, the shop has been a force for good, making financial and in-kind donations