Tis the season of giving and merriment! There was lots of this and really ugly Christmas sweaters at the Mid Atlantic Food Trade Organization’s (MAFTO) annual Christmas for All Kids/Casino Night event on December 2 at the Springfield Country Club. Pictures can be found on page 34. Once again, chief elf, Ron Benjamin, Affinity Sales, and his team of assistants, Scott Vicari, PromoPoint Marketing; Nancy Rodgers-Fluharty, Pace Target; and John Brennan, JJ Brennan Co.; put together a memorable night of food, drink, revelry, not to mention a good dose of gambling, which benefited many local charities, with prizes for the attendees. Over 150 guests brought new unwrapped toys for underprivileged children in the Delaware Valley. ShopRite groups, Ammons and ShopRite of West Chester were represented as well as Albertsons Mid-Atlantic president Jim Perkins, his lovely wife, Athena and an entire team from Acme, including Rena Shiles, Matt Juhring, Christine Hixson and Kevin Reiger. They all came to win big, hitting the tables with funny money! This event is a great way to kick off the holiday season and bring joy to those who need it most. Congratulations on a job well done!
This is not the only fundraiser MAFTO is working on. Two years ago, when the pandemic was at its peak, MAFTO developed the Community Care Package program to support Philabundance and other food focused charities during a time they knew communities would be struggling. Brands generously donated products, gift cards and coupons, and companies of all kinds made contributions and donated the care packages to communities in need. As one in four children in the Philadelphia region face food uncertainty, Philly needs help more now than ever.
How can you help or participate? There are two main ways to help: donate product – with branded products and services to offer, MAFTO creates excitement for purchasing and receiving the care package and recognize each company for participation; or your company can be a sponsor with a financial donation. Over the last two years MAFTO, its community and sponsors have driven $140,000 in donations to Philabundance, Small Things and food pantries throughout the Delaware Valley. MAFTO has also distributed 5,000 care packages to food pantries, school programs, and charities throughout the Mid-Atlantic, creating special events, promoting participants and food pantries along the way. The deadline for donations for the 2023 program is January 31. For more information on the MAFTO Community Care Package Corporate Fundraiser programs, please contact committee chair Andy Morfopoulos, Ignite2x Advertising at: [email protected] or go to www.mafto.org/PHLB.
Decorating with lights is always a huge part of Christmas. So, in the spirit of Christmas, here are some of the do not miss places to see spectacular light displays. First, of course is Longwood Gardens, in Chester County, PA. Nobody does it better. At the Herr’s Factory, they go all-out for the “Christmas Snacktacular.” The festive display features more than 600,000 lights arranged throughout the corporate complex. This is free of charge and runs until January 2, 2023. Shady Brook Farms in Yardley, PA has a drive through light show with accompanying music and hot chocolate and homemade ice cream for guests after the ride. For me, nothing is more fun than driving up and down the streets in South Philly oohing and ahhing at the entire streets lit up for the Christmas holidays, as I did with my brothers when we were kids. The most popular displays are on Smedley Street between 16th and 17th Streets just off of Oregon Avenue and “The Miracle on 13th Street” (the S. 1600 block). Christmas music plays until 11:00 p.m. and the cars just keep coming. So, if you’re looking for something new to make part of your holiday traditions, add a light show. You’ll be singing and smiling for days!
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship. Eligible students can apply for a one-year, $2,500 scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The scholarship amount increased last year by $500 each. In 2022, 27 students earned a total of $67,500 toward their educations. “This is one of the highlights of our work at PFMA every year,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “The scholarship gives us an opportunity to recognize students for their hard work and dedication in attaining a college degree. The generosity of our members allows us to support a growing number of students by easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Special thanks to The Giant Company, Karns Quality Foods, Rutter’s, Sheetz and Wawa for their contributions.” Current employees, their children and the children of company owners who are PFMA members can apply for the scholarship at PFMA.org/scholarships. All scholarship applications must be made online. Applications are due no later than March 1, 2023. Since its start in 1995, nearly 630 students have received the Ridge Scholarships, totaling about $1.2 million. The Ridge Scholarship honors Thomas R. Ridge, who was a member of the food industry for 25 years, and his wife Laura, who was a great advocate of education for Tom Ridge, his brother David and sister Vikki.
Celebrating another trip around the sun this merry month of December are: Paul McGurkin, Integrity; Sue Rorke-Lawler, Acme Markets; Scott Smith, IFCO; Alex Baloga, PFMA; and Linda Naddeo, HP Hood. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Happy Christmakwanzahanukkah from all of us at Food Trade News! As we look forward to 2023, may the giving spirit of the holidays remain with you throughout the year. Wishing our readers peace, prosperity and good health! Buone feste!
Quote of the month: “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” Seneca
Maria can be reached at [email protected].