Celebration and Awards Dinner

Join us to celebrate the all-star citizens among us who inspire us to do — and be — better Philadelphians. The 2nd Annual Citizen of the Year Awards Dinner will take place Tuesday, February 25 at the Fitler Club Ballroom, 1 South 24th Street in Center City, Philadelphia.

Our goal at The Citizen is to inspire citizenship, elevate those who embody The Citizen’s mission of solutions-focused action, and activate Philadelphians to make change. Our annual Citizen of the Year program, launched in 2024, is about more than celebrating do-gooders — it is about building a network of changemakers within Philadelphia, and positioning them as role models for the next generation. Over time, we hope to see these awards empower more citizens to be active in making Philadelphia the best place to live for everyone in it.

All funds raised from ticket sales and sponsorship support this program, our ongoing coverage of civic solutions, and other civic-minded events brought to you throughout the year. 

SCHEDULE
Cocktail reception, 5-6pm
Dinner and program, 6-8pm
Dessert reception and networking, 8-9pm
Cocktail Attire


This Year’s Honorees

Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Citizen of the Year

The beloved NFL All-Pro quarterback for our Philadelphia Eagles doesn’t just star on the field: Among other initiatives, his Jalen Hurts Foundation has provided over $200,000 for air conditioning in Philly schools and supported children with illnesses. Plus, he has amplified the role of women in sports by tapping an all-star, all-female management team.

Read his full profile here.

Larry Magid

The Edward G. Rendell Lifetime Achievement Award

Larry Magid, the founder of Electric Factory concerts, changed Philadelphia — and the trajectory of live music as we know it. A legendary concert promoter and rock-and-roll impresario, he co-produced Live Aid 40 years ago, and continues to change Philly for good, as with his creation of the Philadelphia Music Alliance and scholarship opportunities for future generations of young people to attend his alma mater, Temple University.

Judith M. von Seldeneck

The Edward G. Rendell Lifetime Achievement Award

Judith M. von Seldeneck, founder and chair of Diversified Search Group, the oldest continuously-operating woman-owned search firm in the country. Von Seldeneck has been a pioneering leader in her industry for more than four decades, a woman business owner during a time when that was exceptionally rare in Philadelphia, a mentor to many who have followed, and a Philadelphia booster from her perch as a member of many public, private and nonprofit boards.

Read her full profile here.

Gregory E. Deavens

Lewis Katz Corporate Citizen of the Year

Gregory E. Deavens is president and CEO of Independence Health Group, the parent of Independence Blue Cross. Under his leadership, Independence is prioritizing behavioral health, focusing on reducing racial and economic health disparities, and diversifying the ranks of one of the city’s largest employers. Deavens also serves as board chair for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.

Read his full profile here.

Declan Cassidy

Youth Citizen of the Year

Swenson Arts & Technology High School sophomore Declan Cassidy, 15, was so affected by his sister’s experience with homelessness, that he created Socks for the Streets — a nonprofit that has distributed more than 79,000 pairs of socks, 6,000 hygiene kits, and hundreds of meals and wound care kits to those in need.

Read his full profile here.

Njemele Tamala Anderson

Educator of the Year

Njemele Tamala Anderson is an English teacher at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber who practices Liberatory Education, an approach that combats discrimination and bias in schools, and holds students to the highest standards of intellectual work – all while showering them with radical compassion and love to bring out their best work, and prepare them to be engaged citizens of the world.

Read her full profile here.

Dr. Alexis A. Thompson

Disruptors of the Year (with Dr. Grupp)

At CHOP, Dr. Alexis A. Thompson and Dr. Stephan A. Grupp oversaw the treatment of the first patient with Sickle Cell Disease — the debilitating genetic condition that disproportionately affects children of African descent — to be treated with gene therapy outside of a clinical trial. Their collaboration and vision is poised to change the lives of children in Philadelphia — and around the world.

Thompson is Chief of the Division of Hematology and Elias Schwartz, MD, Endowed Chair in Hematology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as Professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at Penn; Grupp is Director of the Susan S. and Stephen P. Kelly Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Section Chief of the Cellular Therapy and Transplant Section, and Medical Director of the Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory at CHOP, as well as Novotny Professor of Pediatrics at Penn’s Perelman School.

Read their full profile here.

 

Dr. Stephan A. Grupp

Disruptors of the Year (with Dr. Thompson)

At CHOP, Dr. Alexis A. Thompson and Dr. Stephan A. Grupp oversaw the treatment of the first patient with Sickle Cell Disease — the debilitating genetic condition that disproportionately affects children of African descent — to be treated with gene therapy outside of a clinical trial. Their collaboration and vision is poised to change the lives of children in Philadelphia — and around the world.

Thompson is Chief of the Division of Hematology and Elias Schwartz, MD, Endowed Chair in Hematology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as Professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at Penn; Grupp is Director of the Susan S. and Stephen P. Kelly Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Section Chief of the Cellular Therapy and Transplant Section, and Medical Director of the Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory at CHOP, as well as Novotny Professor of Pediatrics at Penn’s Perelman School.

Read their full profile here.

Marsha Levick

A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. Social Justice Champion

Marsha Levick co-founded Juvenile Law Center in 1975. A passionate advocate for children’s rights, she is a nationally recognized expert in juvenile law who has authored countless briefs in state and federal courts throughout the country, including many for cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Read her full profile here.

Dianna C. Coleman

Block Captain of the Year

Dianna C. Coleman has transformed her block in Southwest Philly, converting an abandoned lot into a community garden, organizing parades, field trips and bicycle giveaways for kids, and serving as a tireless liaison between her neighborhood and the City. Potholes: Consider yourselves warned.

Read her full profile here.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Sponsor the 2nd Annual Citizen of the Year Awards

Submit your pledge instantly below. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 46-2777419, and your contribution will be tax-deductible minus any goods received.

Presenting Sponsor

$25,000

  • Two tables at the event (20 seats) with table sign recognition
  • Lock-up logo in every promotion, all print and digital assets
  • In writing, the standard event name language will be “The Citizen of the Year Awards presented by [your organization]”
  • Opportunity to make welcome remarks (or present an award if the program allows) 
  • Full-page ad in the event program
  • Full-screen ad in sponsor loop video
  • Banner ad on Citizen of the Year landing page
  • Exclusively sponsor The Citizen of the Year winners’ editorial profiles
  • Exclusively sponsor the opening cocktail reception and closing dessert reception with visible branding (custom napkins, bar signage, etc. to be discussed)
  • Opportunity to provide promotional gift to guests and/or winners
  • Customization available for additional benefits
Innovation Sponsor

$10,000

  • One table at the event (10 seats) with table sign recognition
  • Logo in print and digital assets at event
  • Recognition on digital promotions like website and newsletter
  • Quarter-page ad in the event program
  • Half-screen ad in sponsor loop video
  • Opportunity to provide promotional gift to guests 
  • Customization available for additional benefits
Inspiration Sponsor

$5,000

  • Half table at the event (5 seats) with table sign recognition
  • Logo in print and digital assets at event
  • Recognition on digital promotions like website and newsletter
  • Customization available for additional benefits

 

Get on the Waitlist

We understand that the price to attend this event may be cost-prohibitive to some people. To address this, we work with individuals and organizations to sponsor seats for community members who would otherwise not be able to attend. If you would like to be considered for one of these sponsored tickets, which are provided at a deeply discounted rate or are completely free, please enter your information here. Recipients will be chosen by a randomized drawing closer to the event date.

Highlights from the Inaugural Citizen of the Year Awards

Watch the full program, recorded on January 31, 2024, and meet the inaugural honorees. The inaugural celebration and awards program was made possible by our generous sponsors.

 

Citizen of the Year Stories

 

Citizen of the Year Awards

Citizen of the Year Jalen Hurts

Our Super Bowl MVP champions women, loves to do good for Philly kids — and is The Philadelphia Citizen of the Year

By Lauren McCutcheon
Citizen of the Year Awards

Lifetime Achievement Larry Magid

The legendary concert promoter and rock and roll impresario didn’t just help create the 60s and 70s counterculture. He rocked the world, but he’s as Philly as they come

By Larry Platt
Citizen of the Year Awards

A. Leon Higginbotham Social Justice Champion Marsha Levick

The Juvenile Law Center co-founder has spent 50 years advocating for the rights of youth in the legal system, taking on corrupt judges, changing policy and contributing to victories in the U.S. Supreme Court

By Malcolm Burnley

Greg Deavens on Retirement and Beyond

Our Lewis Katz Corporate Citizen of the Year, who we’ll honor next month, on retiring next year, continuing to serve Philadelphia, and his (gasp) Dallas Cowboys fandom

By Larry Platt
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Corporate Citizen of the Year Gregory E. Deavens

For his commitment to health equity and his prioritization of coverage for mental healthcare, the President and CEO of Independence Health Group is our Lewis Katz Corporate Citizen of the Year

By Natalie Pompilio
Citizen of the Year Awards

Lifetime Achievement Judith M. von Seldeneck

The entrepreneur who runs the largest women-owned search firm in the world is the kind of civic leader Philadelphia has always needed

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Disruptors Alexis A. Thompson and Stephan A. Grupp

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia doctors have devoted their lives to improving the quality and length of life for some of our country’s most vulnerable and overlooked patients: children with sickle cell disease.

By Jessica Blatt Press
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Block Captain Dianna C. Coleman

The Southwest Philly activist is this year’s Block Captain of the Year for her efforts to beautify her block and uplift neighbors of all ages

By Courtney DuChene
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Youth Leader Declan Cassidy

The 15-year-old Youth Citizen of the Year has donated more than 79,000 pairs of socks to the most vulnerable members of his community through his nonprofit Socks For The Streets

By Christina Griffith
Citizen of the Year Awards

Educator Njemele Tamala Anderson

The English teacher at Science Leadership Academy @ Beeber expects greatness from her students — and showers them with the essential tools they deserve to achieve it

By Jessica Blatt Press

Sponsored Seat Waitlist

Advertising Terms

We do not accept political ads, issue advocacy ads, ads containing expletives, ads featuring photos of children without documented right of use, ads paid for by PACs, and other content deemed to be partisan or misaligned with our mission. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and all affiliate content will be nonpartisan in nature. Advertisements are approved fully at The Citizen's discretion. Advertisements and sponsorships have different tax-deductible eligibility. For questions or clarification on these conditions, please contact Director of Sales & Philanthropy Kristin Long at [email protected] or call (609)-602-0145.