Champions for Children Celebration

Two days before Thanksgiving, corporate partners and friends of CORA Services gathered together to give thanks to organizations and people whom support children and families throughout the year. The 2010 Champions for Children Celebration to benefit CORA Services took place at the prestigious Union League of Philadelphia. Guests enjoyed delicious food, cocktails and camaraderie while making business connections and celebrating the 39th anniversary of CORA Services. This event raised more than $40,000 to support its comprehensive array of educational, counseling and referral services.

For CORA Services, "children are the heart of the matter," and that is why this nonprofit organization presents the Champion for Children awards annually to organizations and individuals for their extraordinary leadership in support of children. CORA Services was pleased to honor Beneficial Bank, Honorable Kevin M. Dougherty, and Victoria Griffin of Frankford High School. The event was co-chaired by CORA Services board member Stephanie Watkins and her husband Joe who served as Master of Ceremonies.

Beneficial Bank - 2010 Corporate Champion
Beneficial Bank was honored for its long standing commitment to the Philadelphia community - most importantly its support of children and education initiatives. During its more than 157 years in the Philadelphia region, Beneficial has supported numerous programs and organizations, as well as established the Beneficial Foundation to focus on contributions and service to the community. Beneficial takes tremendous pride in making a difference in the lives of local residents and the neighborhoods it serves. The Blue-Gooders, a volunteer support group comprised of employees, donate their time to many organizations. Beneficial Bank is making a difference in the lives of families in the greater Philadelphia region every day.

Honorable Kevin M. Dougherty - 2010 Civic Champion
Honorable Kevin M. Dougherty, Administrative Judge of the Family Court Division in Philadelphia, was presented with this award for being a tireless advocate for the children and families who become involved in the juvenile justice system, and for his vigilance in looking for ways to divert youth and families from entering that system. Whether its "flash mobs", unruly young fans at our sporting events, or the everyday important duties of administering the Family Court of our city, Judge Kevin Dougherty has been at the forefront of juvenile justice activity in Philadelphia. CORA Services has found his Honor to be an invaluable resource and ally as the agency continues efforts to divert at risk youth from the justice system. Judge Dougherty is an everyday Champion for our city's most needy children.

Victoria Griffith - 2010 Classroom Champion
Of all the impressive nominations received, Victoria Griffith best exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader, as well as the faith, compassion, optimism, courage and call to service that CORA Services founder Sister Charity embodied. Without the guidance of her mother, who passed away in 2006, Victoria has grown into an amazing young woman determined to succeed. As a dual enrollment student, she attends Eastern University, as well as Frankford High School and maintains excellent grades in honors courses. She plans to eventually pursue a Master's degree. This scholarship presented by CORA Services will help her with her future education. In addition to maintaining excellent grades and volunteering to help others, Victoria participates in athletics and has a job. Her teachers have no doubt that Victoria Griffith will be very successful in college and life.