Coraservices.com
Rooted in a tradition of care and compassion, the Mission of CORA Services is to assist children, youth and families experiencing emotional, academic and social challenges which impede their development and productivity. A private, not-for-profit service organization located in Philadelphia, PA, CORA Services provides an array of comprehensive professional services focused on prevention, intervention, remediation and referral assistance.
– New Mission Statement

CORA Services 40th Anniversary Celebration

On the weekend of 11/11/11, corporate and community partners, friends, and families gathered for a fun-filled weekend of celebrations to honor CORA's 40th anniversary. Hosted at the home of CORA Services in Northeast Philadelphia, this weekend included the annual Champions for Children Celebration as well as the inaugural CORA Family Festival which brought families together from all over the Philadelphia community.

At the 2011 Champions for Children Celebration, guests enjoyed delicious food, cocktails and camaraderie while making business connections and celebrating this milestone year for CORA Services.

For 40 years, the work of CORA Services has been steeped with care and compassion and acceptance of all in need. This weekend was about celebrating all the children and families that CORA has helped these past 40 years, and that is why we present the Champion for Children awards annually to organizations and individuals for their extraordinary leadership in support of children. The Awards Ceremony was led by Master of Ceremonies Joe Watkins and was chaired by Dan Hilferty, President and CEO, of Independence Blue Cross. CORA Services was pleased to honor Johnson, Kendall, and Johnson, Honorable Faye Stack, Sister Nora Dennehy, and Aneesha Reese of Charles Carroll High School.

Johnson, Kendall, & Johnson - 2011 Corporate Champion -- Johnson, Kendall and Johnson, Inc. was honored for a commitment to giving back to their community by donating time, energy and talents to help families.

Honorable Faye Stack - 2011 Civic Champion -- A founding CORA advisory and corporate board member, Honorable Faye Stack has been supporting CORA's endeavors since its inception.

Sister Nora Dennehy - 2011 CORA Champion -- As a Provincial for the Sisters of Good Shepherd, Sister NORA supported the founding of the agency in 1971, and continues to counsel youth at CORA today.

Aneesha Reese - 2011 Classroom Champion -- A senior at Charles Carroll High School, this extraordinary student received a scholarship for her achievements in and out of the classroom.

Independence Blue Cross has had a relationship with CORA for more than 20 years and was the Presenting Sponsor of this event. Charity's Circle sponsors included: Fox Rothschild LLP and Johnson, Kendall, and Johnson, Inc. Partner sponsors included: Crown Holdings, Inc. and Beneficial Foundation. Patron sponsors included: Aria Health, Eisner Amper LLP, Plumbers Union Local #690, Professional Capital Services, PRWT, and Senator Michael Stack.

In addition to the annual Champions for Children Celebration, CORA Services hosted the first CORA Family Festival on November 12, 2011. Families from all over the Philadelphia community came to celebrate CORA Services' 40th anniversary. People of all ages played games, ate delicious food, bounced on the inflatables, participated in the raffle, and enjoyed many other fun activities provided by the dedicated staff and volunteers of CORA Services.

Several schools and programs from Northeast Philadelphia supported the CORA Family Festival by showcasing some incredible young performers at the Family Festival. Action Karate from Parkside kicked-off the show with an astonishing presentation of their combat skills. Following was an energetic recital by a talented young Irish Dancer. Showcasing their beautiful voices, choral groups from Resurrection of Our Lord School and Nazareth Academy High School sang their hearts out as the crowd applauded their performance. Donating his time and talent to entertain the guests of the Family Festival, an Elvis Tribute Artist, Frank Fierle, ended the show with an animated lip-curling performance.

Sponsors from the CORA Family Festival Included: Police and Fire Federal Credit Union, Chick & Bernie's Red Rooster Inn, VIST Financial, Wackerman Funeral Home, Fox Chase Swim Club, G.J. Rossi & Son, Holt's Cigar Company, Little Flower Catholic High School, Nu-Look Car Wash, St. Hubert Catholic School for Girls, Atomic Fire Extinguisher, and LAOH Brigid McCrory Division 25.

Funds raised during this weekend of celebratory events will support CORA Services' comprehensive array of education, counseling and referral services.