Special Events
2011 Vision for Philadelphia Award
Honoring
William P. Hankowsky
Each year Philadelphia Hospitality presents the prestigious Vision for Philadelphia Award, in keeping with our work of highlighting the best of Philadelphia. The award showcases an extraordinary individual whose achievements and energy propel Philadelphia toward a more vibrant future.
In 2011 we paid tribute to William P. Hankowsky for his exceptional leadership in driving economic growth to our region, developing Philadelphia's urban landscape, and advancing the ethics of sustainability in our city.
Bill's leadership is recognized in both the region and on the national stage. He serves as chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of many companies and organizations including Aqua America, Citizens Financial Group, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
As director of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce, Bill coordinated the revitalization of the city. Subsequently, for twelve years as president of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, he played a major role in many of Philadelphia's landmark projects, including Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.
When we think of the face of the city today – its neighborhoods where innovation flourishes and its skyline reflecting Philadelphia's growth and vitality – we think of Bill and Liberty Property Trust. Bill's impact on Philadelphia's changing urban landscape has been most visible through the Comcast Center, the nation's tallest green building and a global showplace for sustainable energy. At the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Liberty has not only master-planned Philadelphia's most exciting new business magnet, but has also developed trend-setting, sustainable office and industrial properties, including the "green" bakery for Tasty Baking Company.
Through his inspiring commitment to sustainability, Bill has become the environmental conscience of the business community and a model to us all.
We wish to especially thank Presenting sponsor Liberty Property Trust; Visionary sponsor and underwriter Citizens Financial Group, and Visionary sponsor the Hyatt at The Bellevue. Partner sponsors for the evening were Aqua America, Inc., Comcast Family of Companies, Day & Zimmermann, Drexel University, Elliott-Lewis Corporation, Independence Blue Cross, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, PECO, Pennoni Associates Inc., Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the Phillies, SEI, and Stradley Ronon Stevens and Young.
For information about the 2012 gala or sponsorship of the Vision for Philadelphia Award please contact Marilynn Farber at 215.790.9904 or farber [at] philahospitality [dot] org^ Return to top
Philadelphia Hospitality Associates' Events
Become a Friend of Philadelphia Hospitality at the Associates’ level and enjoy “private access,” Philadelphia Hospitality’s signature experience that our visiting VIP guests long remember.
Every year our upper level donors are delighted by the Associates’ Reception, an opportunity to visit a private home, studio firm or receive an exclusive welcome to a semi-public space. The evening, always entertaining and informative, includes a brief talk by the host about the special venue or its prized collection.
This year, Associates agreed that the evening provided twice the unique experience they had expected. They were privileged to learn about Mother Bethel African American Episcopal (AME) Church though hearing and speaking with both Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, the church’s pastor, and Sam Katz, Founder and executive producer of History Making Productions.
Sam, known to all for his attempts to improve Philadelphia through bids for public office, has turned his attention to telling Philadelphia’s stories through film. He offered guests an understanding of Philadelphia during the Civil War era through a discussion and clips from his work-in-production, Philadelphia: The Great Experiment, as well as from his notable documentaries Stephen Girard: Mariner, Merchant, Philanthropist; The Union League Formation and especially Apostle of Freedom: Richard Allen.
The many guests assembled had a first-hand understanding of Mother Bethel AME Church, founded by Richard Allen in 1794, through their visit to its current building, which is a designated National Historic Landmark. Also included in the event were tours of the church’s late Victorian sanctuary and of its inspirational Richard Allen Museum.
Dr. Tyler, a natural story-teller, charmed guests with the tale of Henry Ossawa Tanner’s bas relief of Bishop Richard Allen, going on loan to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts for its upcoming Tanner exhibition.
Guests’ stayed on long past the evening’s close, chatting with Sam, receiving answers to their many questions, and absorbing information that Mother Bethel’s star docent and its expert archivist stayed on to relay.
And of course, as in all of Philadelphia Hospitality members events, guests took pleasure over refreshments in the camaraderie of others who share their interest and enthusiasm about cultural Philadelphia. Click here to view the Photo Gallery.
To become an Associate, please fill out the information form.
Philadelphia Hospitality Patrons' Events
Become a Friend of Philadelphia Hospitality at the Patron level and enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience and reception at a noted Philadelphia landmark. Each year we highlight a different location in Philadelphia, where our Patrons enjoy an out-of-the-ordinary experience similar to those we provide for our visitors.
On Febuary 6th, we will host a private evening at the Wells Fargo History Museum, located in the elegant 1928 Beaux-Arts building of Wells Fargo’s main office, for an insider’s look at the past of U.S. banking. The collection weaves Wells Fargo history into the history of the nation’s banking, with interactive exhibits and knowledgeable presenters sure to capture the interest of Philadelphia history buffs and those wishing to know more about banking and commerce of yesterday.
Examine Charter No. 1, granted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in 1863 to the First National Bank of Philadelphia, a Wells Fargo predecessor, before it returns to San Francisco for archival care. Follow Wells Fargo’s lineage back to the Bank of North America, the nation’s first commercial bank when it was chartered in Philadelphia in 1781. Learn about the connection of the Gold Rush in California to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.
Meet your Wells Fargo hosts at an hors d’oeuvres and wine reception against the backdrop of the museum’s authentic Concord city-style stagecoach and enjoy the company of fellow Philadelphia Hospitality Friends and history devotees.
To learn more, please contact Marilynn Farber at 215-790-9901 x17,
To become a Patron, please fill out the information form.
Philadelphia Hospitality's 25th Anniversary Party
Philadelphia Hospitality jump-started its 25th anniversary year in October 2006 by joining forces with the Library Company of Philadelphia, the country's first lending library and the oldest cultural organization in the nation, which was marking its own anniversary .of 275 years. Friends of Philadelphia Hospitality examined a select set of treasures rich in images of the Philadelphia region that were pulled from the book-stacks especially for the evening. The Library Company's Executive Director, John Van Horne, greeted guests and shared informal anecdotes about the history of his institution. Judging from the audible buzz following Dr. Van Horne's comments, the evening was a hit.
The Library Company's Reading Room, usually reserved for research fellows and other serious students of early American culture, was the site of a Happy Anniversary sing-a-long, led by Philadelphia Hospitality volunteer, Paul Welde, who debuted his original rendition of the song. On hand to make this a memorable evening were good friends Pol Duffy, who presented not one anniversary cake but two, -in addition to mouth watering and exquisitely presented hors d'oeuvres - and Robertson's Flowers' Barney DeFusco, whose magnificent arrangement underscored the special occasion.
After the program guests enjoyed the 25th Anniversary Exhibition, Benjamin Franklin, Writer and Printer. Franklin founded this venerable institution, still vital and compelling after almost 300 years.
