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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