Benefit concert for Big Daddy Graham set for Media Theatre
Iconic bandleader and cabaret artist Eddie Bruce, who has entertained music lovers in this region and beyond for four generations, is among the all-star cast headlining a benefit performance for beloved WIP radio broadcaster and comic Big Daddy Graham on Friday, Dec. 27 at the Media Theatre.
The benefit and silent auction, presented by fellow broadcaster and comic Joe Conklin, begins at 7:30 p.m.
Big Daddy Graham has been dealing with health issues for a few months now, stemming from a spinal bleed that resulted in partial paralysis. Big Daddy’s friends in the entertainment industry have rallied for this benefit performance and silent auction to raise money to help him and his family pay for the ongoing medical costs.
In addition to Eddie Bruce, performances at this gala include David Uosikkinen of The Hooters, The Young Rumblers’ Tommy Conwell, comic Jimmy Shubert from “Last Comic Standing,” The Legendary WID, cameos from WIP’s Ray Didinger and Al Morganti (among others), and the host himself, Joe Conklin.
Big Daddy Graham has been performing comedy for over 35 years at clubs, colleges, corporate and private parties, as well as banquets and fundraisers. Graham’s show, “Two Funny Philly Guys,” with fellow comedian Joe Conklin, has played in theaters around the region. He has manned the overnight shift on WIP for decades.
The Media Theatre is located on 104 E. State Street in Media. For tickets, visit mediatheatre.org.or call 610-891-0100.
DCCC students donate to Toys for Tots
During the week of Dec. 2-6, Delaware County Community College’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter and the Student Government Association (SGA) completed a raffle fundraising campaign to purchase toys for the Delaware County Toys for Tots Distribution Center, based in Folsom.
On Dec. 10, volunteers from SVA and SGA purchased more than $1,300 worth of toys and dropped them off at the Media toy drop location to be distributed across the county this season.
Have a shelter pet sleepover
The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is looking for families to host shelter pets for holiday sleepovers. The sleepovers consist of a short-term foster arrangement in which a dog or cat currently available for adoption at one of the BVSPCA’s shelters stays with a family temporarily for a duration of a few days up to a week.
“This is a great opportunity for families staying home over the holidays to give a homeless dog or cat a much needed break from the shelter,” said Walt Fenstermacher, BVSPCA senior director of operations. “Sleepovers have been shown to reduce stress for shelter animals, and we also learn more about the pet’s personality in a more natural environment.”
This is the second year the BVSPCA is offering holiday sleepovers. Last year’s pilot program sleepovers resulted in more than 30 homeless pets spending the holidays with a family. The BVSPCA hopes to far exceed that number in this second year of the program so as many homeless pets as possible can experience the love of a family over the holidays.
The BVSPCA offers two sleepover options:
· Santa Sleepover: Pickup Dec. 20-23, Return: Dec. 2630
· Winter Break: Pickup Dec. 20-23, Return: Jan 2-5
Families interested in hosting a shelter pet for a sleepover can sign up at bvspca.org/sleepover. The BVSPCA will work with each family to match the shelter pet to a particular home’s situation when it comes to factors such as other animals and children.
$227K grant for Springfield
State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-165 of Springfield, announced that Springfield Township received a $227,025 grant from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Automated Red Light Enforcement program. The funds will be used to modernize signal facilities at the intersection of Powell Road and Saxer Avenue, improve pedestrian and vehicular safety and comply with ADA requirements.
“I know this intersection has been hazardous for drivers and pedestrians alike,” said O’Mara. “I’m grateful to see that these state funds will help improve safety and traffic flow for our community.”
Under state law, grant funding is supplied by fines from red light violations at 31 intersections in Philadelphia. The law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion can be considered for funding. Municipalities submitted 116 applications, totaling almost $33.6 million in requests.
Projects were selected by an eight-member committee based on criteria such as benefits and effectiveness, cost, local and regional impact, and cost sharing.
Drexel Neumann gets donation
Drexel Neumann Academy (DNA) recently received a donation from Customers Bank. Senior Vice President Joseph Schupp presented students of Drexel Neumann Academy a check for $35,000 through the OSTC PA State Tax Credit Program.
This program allows businesses and individuals to designate their Pa. state taxes owed to go to directly towards scholarship funds to the school of their choice.
Customers Bank is giving the gift of an education by turning their tax dollars into tuition assistance for our students in need.
For more information about Drexel Neumann Academy please contact us at drexelneumannacademy@comcast.net