Michele Frennier, , ,

Five local children to be honored by members of the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and 76ers

Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia will host the 2nd Annual Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Ticket Office on February 3, 2012. These awards, presented by current and former players from the Philadelphia 76ers, Eagles, Flyers and Phillies, will honor four special children who represent the urgent needs and goals of the March of Dimes.

These five children who have benefited from the work of the March of Dimes have been paired with the following athletes and will have share a once in a lifetime sports experience: twelve-year old Jake Koerner from Mt. Laurel, NJ, and Philadelphia Phillie Kyle Kendrick; ten-year old Kate Santangelo from Chadds Ford, PA, and Philadelphia Flyer Max Talbot; nine-year old Jacob Mukalian from Downingtown, PA and former Philadelphia Eagle Ike Reese, and four-year old twins Jonas and Lily Vasquez from Willow Grove, PA and Philadelphia 76er Coach Aaron McKie.

At the event on February 3, the children will be presented with their awards and a special video presentation will be shown which documents the child’s remarkable life and their day with the athlete. The evening will also include the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2011, over 300 people attended the first-time event, raising nearly $200,000. Attending the event, were players from the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, Sixers and Phillies, plus Lifetime Achievement honoree Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider.

The 2nd Annual Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Ticket Office will be held at the Westin Philadelphia on February 3 at 6 p.m. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and bid on sports memorabilia and once in a lifetime opportunities. For more information on the event, including sponsorship opportunities, please log onto www.marchofdimes.com/pennsylvnia or contact Susan Elder at 610-945-6050.

Funds raised by the Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Ticket Office support the March of Dimes prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.