Stars Come Out to Support Magee

Philadelphia, Pa. – Local celebrities from the Philadelphia sports world joined Magee Rehabilitation to support the Hospital’s Sixth Annual Night of Champions on May 5, 2006.  The star-studded event included dinner, raffle prizes and auctions of autographed sports memorabilia, exclusive gifts, restaurant certificates, getaway weekends, and travel packages. The nearly 400 attendees were also entertained by Comedian Joe Conklin, who kept the crowd amused through zany but witty impersonations of Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley, Harry Kalas, Johnny Matthis, and other well-known personalities. More than $170,000, an event record, was raised to support Magee’s Community Program Fund, which includes wheelchair sports, Magee’s Think First program, computer training, Patient Learning Resource Center, peer mentor programs, and injury support groups.

John Wendkos, a local businessman who is a member of the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees and a generous supporter of Magee’s patients and programs, received the 2006 Magee Champion in the Community Award. The award is presented annually to a community leader who supports and advocates for individuals with disabilities. Wendkos’ generous and passionate support of Magee’s RISE Program, Stroke Peers, Jerry Segal Classic, and the Wendkos Stroke Club have touched the lives of many individuals over the years.

Among those in attendance included NBA Hall-of-Famer Billy Cunningham; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid and assistant coaches John Harbaugh and Juan Castillo; former Eagles Mike Mamula and Mike Chalenski; Phillies 1980 World Series manager Dallas Green; former Philadelphia Flyers Bernie Parent, Ed van Impe, and Brian Propp;  St. Joseph’s men’s basketball head coach Phil Martelli; Temple University’s new men’s basketball head coach Fran Dunphy; WIP Sport Radio host Howard Eskin; 76ers’ executive advisor Sonny Hill; former Penn State football player Adam Taliaferro; Phillies spokesperson and former Action News sports anchor Scott Palmer; and IBEW Local 98 business manager John J. Dougherty.

Once again, IBEW Local 98 was this year’s title sponsor.

The Seventh Annual Night of Champions is scheduled for Friday, May 11, 2007. For more information, please call Magee’s Development Department at (215) 587-3090.