Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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Celebrate Hope Image

Celebrate Hope

Annual Luncheon 2023

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Congratulations to our Honorees

     

"Others" Award

STEPHEN FERA

Independence Blue Cross

 

Stephen Fera, Executive Vice President and Head of Public Affairs for Independence Blue Cross, will receive the Others Award for exemplifying an extraordinary spirit of service to others and exceptional service to The Salvation Army and/or community.

Fera is a lifelong Philadelphian currently serving on the Board of the PA Chamber of Commerce, PHMC, the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, and IBC Foundation. During his 30-year career at Independence, Fera has worked to expand access to care and improve the lives of millions of Americans. He spearheads federal and state government relations, along with community affairs for the largest health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania and one of the largest Blue Plans in country. He has worked to forge public-private partnerships to improve access to care and to reduce disparities and influence public policy decisions.


     

Doing the Most Good Award

SENATOR VINCENT HUGHES,

7th Senatorial District of Pennsylvania


and  SHERYL LEE RALPH, Actress

 

Sheryl Lee Ralph and Sen. Hughes will receive the Doing the Most Good Award at the ceremony for their outstanding community service in helping others be all they can be.

Ralph made theater history as the first African American female to play the role of Madame Morrible in the Broadway musical, Wicked. Most recently, she was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Abbott Elementary. Ralph is also the founding director of the DIVA Foundation, which produces an annual benefit concert, Divas Simply Singing, to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. This evening of song and entertainment is the longest consecutive running musical AIDS benefit in the country. Her love for spreading health awareness education touches the lives of many, year in and year out.

Sen. Hughes, Ralph’s husband, was born and raised in Philadelphia. He represents the 7th Senatorial District in Pennsylvania and serves as the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a position he has held since 2011. He has served in the Senate since November 1994. Senator Hughes has a career long commitment to providing health insurance for the uninsured and his leadership, public advocacy, and legislative strategy led to Pennsylvania’s full implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Alongside his wife, Senator Hughes has been recognized locally and nationally for his work on HIV/AIDS issues and the challenges of behavioral health in the African American community. A believer in breaking down the financial barriers for underserved students in higher education, he has raised over $1 million in scholarship funds for students to attend college. He is a leader in the fight for paid sick leave and in the creation of housing for veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

     

Eliza Shirley Women in Leadership Award

ROMONA RISCOE BENSON

PECO

 

Romona Riscoe Benson, Director of Corporate and Community Impact at PECO, will receive the Eliza Shirley Women in Leadership Award for exemplifying Salvation Army pioneer Eliza Shirley’s dedication to service, community, and faith.

Riscoe Benson develops, leads, and executes strategic corporate and community giving programs, as well as reputational positioning initiatives. Prior to her position at PECO, she served as president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia and executive director of the PCVB’s Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress. She produced the city-wide PECO Energy Jazz Festival and the first city career-fair focused on careers in hospitality for urban school students in the area. Riscoe Benson’s passion is shown through 25 years of experience in non-profit, hospitality, meetings and conference management, arts management, and public sector work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn about our Awards

"Others" Award

The “Others” Award honors an individual or organization exemplifying an extraordinary spirit of service to others and exceptional service to The Salvation Army and/or community.


     

On Christmas, many years ago, the co-founder of The Salvation Army, General William Booth, wanted to send a message to his officers throughout the world. Legend has it that this message was sent in the form of a telegram that contained only one word: “Others.” It was his deepest desire for his officers to love, care for, and connect with others.

“Others” is also the title of a gospel song, written by Charles D. Meigs, that profoundly expresses the dedication of all those involved in the Army’s mission:

            “Lord, help me live from day to day

            In such a self-forgetful way

            That even to when I kneel to pray

            My prayer shall be for others.

            Others, Lord, yes, others.

            Let this my motto be:

            Help me to live for others.

            That I might live like thee.”

To recognize those who best embody this unselfish devotion to others, The Salvation Army created the “Others” award.

 

Doing the Most Good Award

The Doing the Most Good Community Leadership Award is presented for outstanding community service in helping others be all they can be.


     

Evangeline Booth, daughter of the founders of The Salvation Army, was quoted as saying, “There is no reward equal to that of doing the most good for the most people in the most need.” During her 30-year tenure as National Commander of The Salvation Army in the United States, the organization experienced phenomenal growth. In 1934 she was elected General, assuming worldwide responsibilities at International Headquarters in London, England.

To recognize exceptional leadership, commitment, and spirit of serving those most in need, The Salvation Army created the Doing the Most Good Community Leadership Award.

 

Eliza Shirley Women in Leadership Award

The Eliza Shirley Women in Leadership Award honors a woman in leadership who exemplifies Eliza Shirley’s dedication to service, community, and faith.


     

In 1879, Eliza Shirley and her parents immigrated to Philadelphia, PA from England. Passion for her faith and service led 16-year-old Eliza to contact General William Booth, requesting that The Salvation Army’s mission be brought to the United States. Unsure of her abilities, he gave her permission to “test the waters.” Within a month of her arrival to Philadelphia, Eliza and her family had rented a building on the west side of Philadelphia and were preaching the gospel with a specific focus on helping the poor. After hearing of their success, General Booth sent more members of The Salvation Army to the United States to officially begin the work. Because of Eliza’s leadership, The Salvation Army was able to serve in the U.S., and because of the women in leadership throughout our community, we can continue to serve.

To recognize those women in leadership who exemplify dedication to service, community, and faith, The Salvation Army created the Eliza Shirley Women in Leadership Award.