COMCAST SPORTSNET ANNOUNCES 3rd ANNUAL SHINING STAR AWARDS BENEFITING THE MARCH OF DIMES

The Evening is presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group Gala Dinner Slated for January 11, 2013

PHILADELPHIA (September xx, 2012) – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia will host the 3rd Annual Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group on Friday, January 11 at 6 p.m. at the Westin Philadelphia.

These coveted awards, presented by current and former players from the Philadelphia 76ers, Eagles, Flyers, Phillies and Union, will honor six special children who represent the urgent needs and goals of the March of Dimes. The children are: Alex King of Pipersville PA, Ines Mitsouras, Madeline Gillespie, Andre and Andrew Harris all of Philadelphia, and Mari Gilbert of Phoenixville, PA. These remarkable children will have the chance to spend a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a member of the team.

At the event on January 11, the children will be presented with their awards and a special video presentation will be shown which documents the child’s remarkable life and their day with the athlete. The evening will also include the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2012, over 400 people attended the event, raising over $200,000. Attending last year’s event were former Philadelphia Eagles Ike Reese and Tra Thomas, Philadelphia Flyer Blair Betts, Sixers Ambassador Sonny Hill and Philadelphia Phillie Kyle Kendrick, plus Lifetime Achievement honoree former Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell.

Those attending will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and bid on sports and entertainment packages, autographed memorabilia, hotel packages and once in a lifetime opportunities including the Shining Star Package featuring four suite tickets to the five sports teams and behind the scenes experiences, plus autographed team jerseys.

March of Dimes, the leading non-profit organization for maternal and infant health, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2013. More than 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.

The March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to combat polio, an epidemic disease that paralyzed or killed up to 52,000 Americans, mostly children, every year. The March of Dimes fulfilled President Roosevelt’s dream of a nation free of this fearful disease by funding the development of the first safe and effective polio vaccines by Dr. Jonas Salk (1955) and Dr. Albert Sabin (1962). For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Funds raised by the Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group support the March of Dimes prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs as well as advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies. Tickets are available at $125 each and sponsorship opportunities can be arranged by calling Bob Smoose at the March of Dimes at 484-685-5849. For more information on the event, please log onto www.ShiningStarAwards.com or follow the event on Twitter at @CSNShiningStar or Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShiningStarAwards

About Wanamaker Ticket Office

Wanamaker Ticket Office is a premium entertainment agency located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, serving customers locally & worldwide. Since 1957, Wanamaker Ticket Office has earned a reputation for developing lasting relationships with its large customer base by providing unrivaled event seating at fair prices while offering extraordinary customer service. As the #1 premium entertainment provider in Philadelphia, Wanamaker Ticket Office accommodates requests of all sizes from individual to family packages as well as community group sales or corporate needs. They are proud to offer an unmatched customer experience by carrying inventory for any event, including sports both collegiate and professional, concerts, theater, family events and many more! For more information, please visit WanaTix.com.

FORMER PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR ED RENDELL TO RECEIVE SHINING STAR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT WESTIN HOTEL ON FEBRUARY 3

Professional Athletes Honor Local Children at Dinner Benefitting the March of Dimes

PHILADELPHIA (January 5, 2012) – Former Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell has been selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the 2nd Annual Comcast SportsNet Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes at The Westin Philadelphia on Friday, February 3 at 6 p.m. These awards, hosted by Comcast SportsNet’s Ron Burke, will honor Rendell for his incredible achievements, remarkable leadership and extraordinary service to the community.

Through his support as Governor of Pennsylvania, the Newborn Screening Act was passed in 2008 guaranteeing newborn screening for disorders that threaten the lives of babies. Governor Rendell’s support not only raised the interest of those voting on the Act, but also raised public awareness of the devastating consequences of failure to screen and treat newborns for rare but fatal genetic and metabolic conditions. Rendell welcomed pro football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly to engage the House and Senate regarding the critical need to safeguard the health of all newborns.  Because of Rendell’s work with the March of Dimes, newborns are now screened for hearing loss and 28 preventable metabolic disorders.

 “Former Governor Rendell has made an impact in the lives of so many people, but his support of the March of Dimes has provided our youngest citizens with the preventive measures they need to help them grow up healthy and strong,” said Shining Stars Chairman Dan Finnerty.

"I am thrilled to be receiving the Shining Star Lifetime Achievement Award from the March of Dimes, an organization that has done extraordinary work to improve the lives of Pennsylvania's children,” said Rendell. “Without the support of the March of Dimes, my efforts as Governor to bring attention to the issue of newborn screening would not have been nearly as successful."  

In addition to his support of the March of Dimes, Rendell has a proven track record of getting big things done. He’s tackled tough issues from education reform to taxes to creating jobs, and his leadership skills were taken to a national level when he served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and chaired the National Governors Association.  

As Governor of Pennsylvania from 2003-2011, Rendell served two terms as chief executive of the nation’s 6th-most-populous state and oversaw a $28.3 billion budget.   

As Mayor of Philadelphia from 1992-1999, he led what The New York Times called “the most stunning turnaround in recent urban history.”  The subject of the book Prayer for the City by Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Buzz Bissinger, Rendell was called “one of America’s best, most interesting mayors.”  

In addition to presenting Rendell with the Lifetime Achievement Award, five extraordinary children who have benefited from the work of the March of Dimes will receive their Shining Star Awards at the event. These children had the opportunity to spend a once in a lifetime experience with members of the Philadelphia sports community.  Those attending the dinner will hear about their incredible journey and interaction with their favorite athletes which include: 13-year old Jake Koerner from Mt. Laurel, NJ, and Philadelphia Phillie Kyle Kendrick; 10-year old Kate Santangelo from Chadds Ford, PA, and Philadelphia Flyer Max Talbot; 9-year old Jacob Mukalian from Downingtown, PA and former Philadelphia Eagle Ike Reese, and four-year old twins Jonas and Lily Vasquez from Willow Grove, PA and Philadelphia 76er Coach Aaron McKie.  

At the event on February 3, the children will be presented with their awards and a special video presentation will be shown which documents the child’s remarkable life and their day with the athlete.  The evening will also include the presentation of Rendell’s Lifetime Achievement Award and live and silent auctions.  

In 2011, over 300 people attended the first-time event, raising nearly $200,000. Attending the event were players from the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, Sixers and Phillies, plus Lifetime Achievement honoree Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider.

The 2nd Annual Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group will be held at The Westin Philadelphia on February 3 at 6 p.m. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and bid on sports memorabilia and once in a lifetime opportunities. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available by calling Susan Elder at 610-945-6050 or by visiting www.ShiningStarAwards.com.

Funds raised by the Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group support the March of Dimes prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs, and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.   

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and infant health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

About Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, part of the NBC Sports Group, is the leading regional sports network reaching over three million viewers in and around Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware.  Together with The Comcast Network, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia provides local sports fans with the most sports coverage including more than 250 live game broadcasts of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies, MLS’s Philadelphia Union, plus NCAA coverage, as well as Emmy Award-winning sports news and analysis. Visit CSNPhilly.com for more information.

About Wanamaker Entertainment Group
Since 1957, Wanamaker Entertainment Group has earned a reputation for developing lasting relationships with our customers by providing premium event seating at fair prices while offering exceptional customer service. As a nationwide ticket provider, we accommodate requests of all sizes from individual to family packages as well as community group sales or corporate needs. Located in the heart of Center City in the Centre Square Building. We're on the street level at the corner of 16th and Market. We're open Monday through Friday from 8-6, Saturday from 9-4, and Sunday from 9-1. We can be reached locally at 215-568-2400, or toll free at 1-866- WANA-TIX.

COMCAST SPORTSNET ANNOUNCES 2ND ANNUAL SHINING STAR AWARDS BENEFITTING THE MARCH OF DIMES

The Evening is Presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group

Gala Dinner Slated for February 3, 2012

PHILADELPHIA (December 13, 2012) – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia will host the 2nd Annual Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group on February 3, 2012.  These awards, presented by current and former players from the Philadelphia 76ers, Eagles, Flyers and Phillies, will honor five special children who represent the urgent needs and goals of the March of Dimes.

These five children who have benefited from the work of the March of Dimes have been paired with the following athletes and will share a once in a lifetime sports experience: 12-year old Jake Koerner from Mt. Laurel, NJ, and Philadelphia Phillie Kyle Kendrick; 10-year old Kate Santangelo from Chadds Ford, PA, and Philadelphia Flyer Max Talbot; Nine-year old Jacob Mukalian from Downingtown, PA and former Philadelphia Eagle Ike Reese, and four-year old twins Jonas and Lily Vasquez from Willow Grove, PA and Philadelphia 76er Coach Aaron McKie.  

At the event on February 3, the children will be presented with their awards and a special video presentation will be shown which documents the child’s remarkable life and their day with the athlete.  The evening will also include the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2011, over 300 people attended the first-time event, raising nearly $200,000. Attending the event, were players from the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, Sixers and Phillies, plus Lifetime Achievement honoree Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider.

The 2nd Annual Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group will be held at the Westin Philadelphia on February 3 at 6 p.m. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and bid on sports memorabilia and once in a lifetime opportunities. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available by calling Susan Elder at 610-945-6050.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and infant health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Funds raised by the Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group support the March of Dimes prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.   

For more information on the event, including sponsorship opportunities, please log onto www.ShiningStarAwards.com.

About Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, part of the NBC Sports Group, is the leading regional sports network reaching over three million viewers in and around Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware.  Together with The Comcast Network, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia provides local sports fans with the most sports coverage including more than 250 live game broadcasts of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies, MLS’s Philadelphia Union, plus NCAA coverage, as well as Emmy Award-winning sports news and analysis. Visit CSNPhilly.com for more information.

About Wanamaker Entertainment Group
Since 1957, Wanamaker Entertainment Group has earned a reputation for developing lasting relationships with our customers by providing premium event seating at fair prices while offering exceptional customer service. As a nationwide ticket provider, we accommodate requests of all sizes from individual to family packages as well as community group sales or corporate needs. Located in the heart of Center City in the Centre Square Building. We're on the street level at the corner of 16th and Market. We're open Monday through Friday from 8-6, Saturday from 9-4, and Sunday from 9-1. We can be reached locally at 215-568-2400, or toll free at 1-866- WANA-TIX.

    Contact:    Maureen C. Quilter
                     215.952.5944

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INAUGURAL SHINING STAR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

COMCAST-SPECTACOR CHAIRMAN ED SNIDER TO RECEIVE INAUGURAL SHINING STAR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT WESTIN HOTEL ON JANUARY 21

Professional Athletes Honor Local Children at Dinner Benefitting The March of Dimes

PHILADELPHIA (December 15, 2010) – Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider has been selected to receive the first Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the Comcast SportsNet Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes at The Westin Philadelphia Hotel on Friday, January 21 at 6 p.m. These awards, hosted by Comcast SportsNet’s Ron Burke, will honor Snider for his generous charitable work and his impact on the Philadelphia sports landscape.

"In addition to setting a standard of excellence with the Flyers and 76ers, Ed Snider has created incredible opportunities for many of the residents of Philadelphia through his philanthropic efforts," said Shining Star Awards Chairman Dan Finnerty. "We are thrilled to be able to recognize his unparalleled success and generosity by awarding him our inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award."

In addition to Snider receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, four local children, who represent the faces of the March of Dimes, will receive awards from Ryan Madson of the Philadelphia Phillies, Brent Celek of the Philadelphia Eagles, James van Riemsdyk of the Flyers and Evan Turner of the Sixers. Those attending the dinner will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and bid on sports memorabilia and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. For more information on the event, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please log onto www.ShiningStarAwards.com or contact Susan Elder at 610-945-6050.

Snider has been a part of the fabric of the Philadelphia sports landscape for over 45 years. One of his recent accomplishments is the creation of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, which provides underserved children in the Philadelphia-area with the opportunity to learn to play ice hockey at area rinks. The program features an educational component that emphasizes teamwork and goal setting as important life lessons. In 2008, Snider Hockey rescued three of the five Philadelphia inner-city ice skating rinks that had been targeted for closure by operating and funding them for the City. The Foundation recently announced a new partnership with the City of Philadelphia, where all five rinks will soon be renovated, including enclosure of three rinks, making them year-round operational.

Snider's success and business acumen have been widely recognized by his peers. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and serves on the NHL's Executive Committee. He is also a member of the NBA's Advisory Finance Committee. He is a recipient of the Lester Patrick Award for outstanding service to hockey in the United States and has been elected to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the Flyers Hall of Fame. In 2005, he received the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce's William Penn Award, the most prestigious business honor in the region, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor awarded to Americans of all ethnic backgrounds who have made significant contributions to our society.

Snider received honorary degrees from Hahnemann University and Thomas Jefferson Hospital. He is also a Benefactor of the Sol C. Snider Entrepreneurial Center of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Vice Chairman of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and infant health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Funds raised by the Comcast SportsNet Shining Star Awards, presented by Wanamaker Ticket Office, support the March of Dimes prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.

About Comcast SportsNet

Comcast Sports Group operates 14 local networks that deliver 2,400 sporting events annually and breaking news and analysis to more than 50 million cable and satellite homes. Comcast Sports Group’s sports networks are: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet California, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet New England, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, SNY, The Mtn. – Mountain West Sports Network, CSS and Comcast Sports Southwest. Comcast Sports Group also manages NECN (New England Cable News), the nation’s largest regional news network, and The Comcast Network, based in Philadelphia and Washington, which delivers community-oriented programming. For more information, see ComcastSportsNet.com.

About Wanamaker Ticket Office

Wanamaker Ticket Office is a premium entertainment agency located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, serving customers locally & worldwide. Since 1957, Wanamaker Ticket Office has earned a reputation for developing lasting relationships with its large customer base by providing unrivaled event seating at fair prices while offering extraordinary customer service. As the #1 premium entertainment provider in Philadelphia, Wanamaker Ticket Office accommodates requests of all sizes from individual to family packages as well as community group sales or corporate needs. They are proud to offer an unmatched customer experience by carrying inventory for any event, including sports both collegiate and professional, concerts, theater, family events and many more! For more information, please visit WanaTix.com.

Top Philly Athletes to Present Awards

Brent Celek, Evan Turner and James van Riemsdyk join Ryan Madson at the Shining Star Awards to Honoring Local Children

Inaugural Dinner Benefitting The March of Dimes to Be Held January 21 at Westin Hotel

PHILADELPHIA (December 8, 2010) – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia will host the inaugural Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes on January 21, 2011 at The Westin Philadelphia Hotel. These awards, presented at the gala by Philadelphia Eagle Brent Celek, Philadelphia 76er Evan Turner, Philadelphia Flyer James van Riemsdyk and Philadelphia Phillie Ryan Madson, will honor four special children who represent the urgent needs and goals of the March of Dimes.

Those attending the gala dinner will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and bid on sports memorabilia and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The evening will feature a video tribute to each honoree documenting the time they spent with one of the four Philadelphia athletes. For more information on the event, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please log onto www.ShiningStarAwards.com or contact Susan Elder at 610-945-6050.

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Dante Coccia, Jr. was born prematurely with many health risks and has overcome many obstacles. Today, he is living with many health challenges but serves as a “Shining Star” to all who know him. He and all of his family love the Phillies.  Recently Dante and his family were invited out to a game courtesy of the Phillies, where Ryan Madson spent time with them prior to a game.  The family was treated to a behind the scenes tour of Citizens Bank Park, which included the clubhouse, media room, batting cages, and also the opportunity to watch batting practice with Madson.

Dante was born four months premature and had a 2% chance of survival.  After many setbacks, Dante is now 9 years old and has recently won awards for his horseback riding and an art competition sponsored by the Philadelphia School District. Dante’s father, Dante Coccia, Sr. is a Philadelphia Police Sergeant and his mom, Marla takes care of their three children.

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Kacy Wilson of North Philadelphia is a healthy 6 year-old, but she has overcome many obstacles in her short life to get there. She was born two months premature and only weighed 2 lbs. 15 oz. In her first six months of life she had seven surgeries, but despite her rough start, she is now thriving.   Kacy will meet 76ers Rookie Evan Turner and get to shoot around with him after practice, plus she will receive a VIP tour of the Sixers practice facility.  Kacy and her family will also see Turner play during a Sixers game at Wells Fargo Center from the Comcast SportsNet suite.

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Eight year-old Trae Richardson of Oreland, PA will be receiving a VIP tour of Lincoln Financial Field from Eagles tight end Brent Celek.  Just to be on the field was a tremendous feat for someone who started their life with such hardship. Trae was born three months premature and weighed 3 lbs. 3 oz.  He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy but that has not stopped him from participating in sports including swimming, baseball and horseback riding. 

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Catharine Aboulhouda, from Allentown, PA, was born 16 weeks early and weighed a tiny 1 lb, 10 oz. and spent 113 days in neonatal intensive care. But Catharine beat the odds and is now a healthy 8 year-old due in part to medical advances developed and funded by the March of Dimes.  Catharine is very grateful for her health and gives back to the March of Dimes as a National Ambassador for the organization and travels around building awareness for the organization. Catharine will have the chance to meet Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk, watch practice and get a tour of the Virtua Health Flyers Skate Zone and will see a game at the Wells Fargo Center from the Comcast SportsNet suite.

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For more information on the athletes and honorees, please visit www.shiningstarwards.com/honorees

At the Shining Star Awards dinner on Friday, January 21, a video will be shown of the children and their special day with the athletes.  The athletes will then present the children with their own Shining Star award. For more information on the event, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please log onto www.ShiningStarAwards.com or contact Susan Elder at 610-945-6050.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and infant health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Funds raised by the Comcast SportsNet Shining Star Awards support the March of Dimes prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.

About Comcast SportsNet

Comcast Sports Group operates 14 local networks that deliver 2,400 sporting events annually and breaking news and analysis to more than 50 million cable and satellite homes.  Comcast Sports Group’s sports networks are: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet California, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet New England, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, SNY, The Mtn. – Mountain West Sports Network, CSS and Comcast Sports Southwest.  Comcast Sports Group also manages NECN (New England Cable News), the nation’s largest regional news network, and The Comcast Network, based in Philadelphia and Washington, which delivers community-oriented programming.  For more information, see ComcastSportsNet.com.