PCCY Honors Estelle B. Richman for Serving Children
Community Leaders to be Recognized at Annual Super Party Event
(Philadelphia, PA) May 4, 2010 – HUD Chief Operating Officer, Estelle B. Richman, Sarah Martinez-Helfman, Executive Director, Eagles Youth Partnership, and Kevin Rodgers, former Director of Music Ensembles at the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, three outstanding community leaders making a positive difference in the lives of children, will be honored for their contributions at this year’s Super Party, Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) annual fundraiser.
The event will be held on Thursday, May 6th at the Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Governor Rendell will arrive at approximately 6:45pm.
Richman, the former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and Managing Director and Director of Social Services for the City of Philadelphia, is the recipient of the Wilbur Hobbs, “True Friend of Children Award”. The honor is given to an individual or group that has demonstrated concern for children, youth and families in our region, and made a difference in their lives. A nationally recognized expert on issues of behavioral health and children’s services, Richman has been honored for advocacy
efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association, among others.
Martinez-Helfman, founding Executive Director of Eagles Youth Partnership, has developed the organization into a model of excellence and impact in the national field of sports philanthropy. She will receive the Lucy Sayre “Community Spirit Award” given to an individual or group that has demonstrated outstanding community achievements for children, youth and families.
During his 35-year career with the School District of Philadelphia, Rodgers, co-recipient of the Lucy Sayre “Community Spirit Award”, served as an itinerant instrumental music teacher and Director of Music Ensembles at the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. He worked as a professional musician, performing with Johnny Mathis, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Nancy Wilson, The Temptations and many others. Rodgers has also taught at St. Joseph’s University and Swarthmore College, and is currently an Associate Professor at Arcadia University. He retired from the School District in 2007.
This year’s Super Party theme, “Setting The Table For All Our Children”, reflects the aspirations we have for every child that is born. “We are not asking folks to buy a table for our event but to help set the table for all our kids to have a good life with their family and their community,” says Executive Director, Shelly Yanoff. “Good early care, good schools, good health care and time and place to play and learn – it’s our job to get the table ready for all kids! Our honorees exemplify a commitment to fulfilling children’s needs.”