You are invited to a playful, adults-only, cocktail reception on Wednesday, May 13th*, 6:00-8:00pm, to benefit Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse.
Join us for hors d’oeuvres from popular food trucks, music, drinks, games, a silent auction, and the presentation of the 2015 Ida Newman Magic of Play Award to Philadelphia Eagles’ linebacker Connor Barwin.
Questions? Contact us at 215.765.4325 or [email protected].
*rain or shine
Connor Barwin had a fantastic year in 2014, his second as a Philadelphia Eagle.
He earned the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month award in November, recorded
14.5 sacks, and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. Off the field, Connor is the founder
of the Make The World Better Foundation, which believes that communities
prosper when young people have access to athletics and the arts and is committed
to providing access for every child to play spaces that are fun, educational, and
safe. Connor turned MTWB’s goals to reality last year at the Ralph Brooks Park in the
Point Breeze neighborhood. Commuting by bike to Eagles’ practices last year,
Connor realized that the park needed help. He jumped in, raising funds and making
his own transformative gift to create a new playground, basketball court, and
community garden. Construction is underway, and the park improvements are
poised to make a huge difference in the lives of Philadelphia youth and their families.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse has been a treasured destination for over 100 years. Smith strives to be Philadelphia’s foremost resource for play by providing opportunities for unstructured creative play for children 10 & younger. Smith contributes to the development of healthy children, strong families, and safe communities by: 1) maintaining a proud tradition of free family admission; 2) partnering with community-based organizations to reach a diverse audience; and 3) advocating for the importance of play.