Vision for Philadelphia 2008

The Evening was Electric!

On April 2, 2008, the 87th day of Mayor Michael Nutter’s first term, the grand ballroom at historic Loews Philadelphia Hotel overflowed with 615 exuberant guests.  They came to support Philadelphia Hospitality, certainly, but above all they came to pay homage to our 15th honoree.

Lead sponsors of the 2008 Vision for Philadelphia Award Gala chatted informally with the Mayor in a private reception on the 33rd floor overlooking the city beloved by guests and honoree alike.  On the way to join the larger reception in full swing in the Millennium Ballroom, Mayor Nutter stopped to greet hotel staff and well-wishers with the same pleasure he expressed in mingling with VIP guests.

The St. Joe’s Prep Jazz Band was on hand to provide a musical backdrop throughout the celebratory reception honoring its famous alum, as guests united by their common admiration of the Mayor, enjoyed one another’s fellowship.  And then one and all followed the joyful sound as talented students led the way to the Regency Ballroom.

Before the elegant dinner, Co-chairs Eileen and Nick DeBenedictis, Valerie Ferguson, and Richard and Diane Dalto Woosnam highlighted the Mayor’s commitment to the tourism and hospitality industry.  They spoke of his blossoming reputation as the arts and culture mayor.  They emphasized his groundbreaking ethics reform legislation and his success in legislating a city-wide smoking ban.  And throughout the evening the refrain was heard again and again … Mayor Nutter embodies the best of our hopes for Philadelphia’s future.

The Mayor accepted the award with charm and humor.  Intermingled with a great many quips that elicited robust laughter, he spoke seriously, passionately of his goals: reducing the homicide rate, diminishing the drop-out rate, while increasing the number of four-year degrees, creating healthy and sustainable neighborhoods and making ex-offenders a part of our community.

Those familiar with the region’s politics sighted guests known for service to the region.  Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, Secretary of Transportation William T. Coleman, Governor James Florio, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., State Representative Kathy Mandarino, Representative John Perzel, Councilman Frank Rizzo, Senator Joe Rocks and Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco were all part of the exciting evening.

And we are pleased to note that previous Vision honorees Bill Avery, Bob Butera (our very first honoree!), Bill Giles, Carole Haas Gravagno and Gerry Lenfest were on hand to join 07’s honoree, Co-Chair Nick DeBenedictis, in welcoming the Mayor into their exclusive club.

We extend a special thank you to the many wonderful sponsors who generously supported the 2008 Vision for Philadelphia Award Gala, and particularly wish to mention our visionary supporters, the Carpenters’ Union of Philadelphia, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Sunoco and Vistarra Real Estate Development Services who helped to make the evening our most successful ever!