The 12th Annual Sports Awards ceremony at the Katz Jewish Community Center was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd of Phillies fans. During the event, four community members were honored for their contributions to the JCC’s fitness and wellness programs. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Phillie Phanatic, who added to the excitement and festivities.
One of the recipients, Mark Dannenbaum, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his long history with the JCC. As past president and a stalwart supporter of events like the Maccabee games, Dannenbaum expressed his pride in all that he had accomplished. His idol, Larry Bowa, was also present at the event as keynote speaker. Bowa shared stories from his baseball career along with Charlie Manuel and Ryan Howard, providing inspiration to those in attendance.
The annual sports awards ceremony serves as an important fundraiser for youth activities at the JCC, which includes sports leagues, nutrition counseling, wellness classes, and obesity prevention programs. Over time, this event has raised over $2 million to support these initiatives and provide opportunities for young people to grow both physically and mentally.
Aziza Shuler is an Emmy award-winning journalist who believes in giving a voice to underdogs and overlooked individuals in communities around the world. Her work covers diverse experiences and achievements of people across different cultures and backgrounds, highlighting their unique perspectives and contributions to society.