2025 Rad Awards

Ryan Hammond

The head of the Eagles Autism Foundation has a simple secret for raising $10 million a year and getting elite players to bike 10 miles through Philly

By Lauren McCutcheon
Citizens of the Week

Project MEOW

An all-volunteer group in West Philadelphia takes a cat-by-cat approach to caring for some of the city’s 400,000 strays — and wants your help

By Kate Krauss
Citizen of the Week

Michael Wong

If this former Fortune 500 executive, Wharton lecturer and father of two has time to volunteer for his local animal shelter, what’s your excuse?

By Emilia Maia

Political Satire for the TikTok Age

Philly punk rocker Ron Gallo once avoided social media. Now he’s made it the stage for his most unseriously serious music yet, attracting both worldwide fans and MAGA haters

By Malcolm Burnley
Citizens of the Week

CHOP’s “Hair Nerds”

Jennifer Boisseau and Theresa Byrd use their hairstylist skills to restore dignity and bring joy to patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

By Jessica Blatt Press
Citizen of the Week

Thembi Palmer, Reader

The storyteller sings, dances, puppets and laughs with books to help children get excited about — and learn — reading

By Courtney DuChene
Citizen of the Week

Mommy

An almost 100-year-old tortoise at the Philadelphia zoo is a new mother — and she’s helping save her species in the process.

By Courtney DuChene
Citizen of the Week

FDR Park Steward Tara Anastasi

The park’s volunteer coordinator gets it done, from reclaiming lakes from the “phrag” to putting anyone who raises their hands to work.

By Thomas Devaney
Citizen of the Week

Officer Leroy Wimberly, Neighborhood Dad

Inspired by his own journey as a father, a Temple University police officer has become a vital support for hundreds of students in North Philadelphia

By Ben Schittler and Lauren McCutcheon
Citizens of the Week

The Twin Sister Docs

Physicians Elena McDonald and Delana Wardlaw don’t just heal the sick — they inspire a new generation of Black Philadelphia youth to follow in their footsteps

By Courtney DuChene