Photo Credit: Alex Subers for Fanatics and Shareif Ziyadat for REFORM Alliance
REFORM Alliance, Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Eagles came together to bring forth a special, once in a lifetime holiday experience for more than 30 children in the PA/NJ area who have been negatively impacted by the criminal justice system (those who have a parent in prison for technical probation violations, have a parent who has been incarcerated for technical probation violations or had their probation extended due to a technical probation violation).
The afternoon kicked off with the first-ever “Eagle for a Day” experience. Inside the NovaCare Complex, attending children and families were greeted by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin alongside fellow REFORM co-chair and award-winning musician Meek Mill who gifted the guests special Eagles merchandise and bags to wear during their participation in a Jr. Combine experience. Inside the NovaCare Complex indoor practice facility, kids heard from head coach Nick Sirianni, threw passes with Meek, and sprinted a 40-yard dash alongside Philadelphia Eagles players including Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Jordan Mailata, and Dallas Goedert. The children also received an exclusive VIP tour of the facility which concluded with a Free Agent ceremony in which each individual child signed their very own one-day contract with the Eagles complete with the gifting of a special team jersey. The “Eagle for a Day” experience concluded in the facility auditorium with Eagles Eagles Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman’s welcoming of the 12/13/22 free agent class and a special address by Michael Rubin, Meek Mill, and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Following, participating families made their way to the Wells Fargo Center for the “76ers VIP Gameday experience” where the kids had the opportunity to take part in an intimate Q&A with 76ers head coach Doc Rivers. Shortly after, guests arrived at their VIP suites for dinner where they were surprised with an incredible holiday fit package equipped with custom Sixers jerseys and Fanatics gear. Right before tip-off, all children made their way to the court to participate in a special pre-game bell ringing ceremony alongside Michael and Meek. Guest families were able to enjoy the Philadelphia Sixers vs. Sacramento Kings matchup both from their VIP suite boxes and courtside seats. The kids provided the halftime entertainment with a scrimmage on the court.
The evening’s guests were brought together by REFORM Alliance’s nonprofit partners Above All Odds/Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, the Center For Family Services, and the PA Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
