PHILADELPHIA – October 19, 2010 – The Philadelphia Police Foundation, a nonprofit organization that strengthens and enhances the mission of the Philadelphia Police Department by providing resources not covered in the city budget, proudly announces local business participation in Police Appreciation Month which will take place NOVEMBER 1 – NOVEMBER 30, 2010. This year’s campaign focuses on reinstating themounted police with a goal of raising the $1.4 million needed build stables, train officers as well as cover general operational costs.

“The Department is extremely grateful for the generous participation of local businesses during Police Appreciation Month,” said Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey. “There is no question that a mounted unit will play a crucial role in protecting the people of Philadelphia and we appreciate the Philadelphia Police Foundation enjoining the community to support the brave men and women who serve this great city.”

Merchants at the Reading Terminal Market will feature a “blue plate special” (November 1 – 6th) from which a portion of sales will benefit the Philadelphia Police Foundation. The campaign will kick off at 9 AM on November 1st, with Commissioner Ramsey, followed at 12 PM by a live appearance by Preston and Steve from WMMR, who will be scooping ice cream at Bassett’s. Donation boxes will also be placed at 35 merchant stands and a raffle of gifts from various stores in the Market will be featured to raise money and awareness as well as a table of promotional items for sale which directly benefit active-duty officers.

“Reading Terminal Market and its merchants have always enjoyed an excellent relationship with our city’s police officers, and we are honored and delighted to show our support during Police Appreciation Month,” said Paul Steinke, General Manager of Reading Terminal Market.

On November 4th at 2PM on the campus of Penn Vet, the Commissioner and members of the Philadelphia Police Department will host a press conference announcing the return of the Mounted Unit. Janice Tangradi of 7-Eleven, Inc. will present a $10,711 check; the proceeds of their Drop a Quarter for Law and Order campaign.

Continuing the campaign, Table 31, Bistro St. Tropez, D’Angelos, DiNardo’s, Q BBQ & Tequila,Cuba Libre, Capriccio Café, Novita and other area restaurants will feature a “blue plate special” item on their lunch and dinner menus (November 8th – 13th). A portion from every selected dish and happy hour special will be donated to the Foundation.

“Supporting and helping to better protect the Philadelphia Police Department, which makes our city safer, is of utmost importance to us,” said Chef Chris Scarduzio, Owner Table 31 and The Plaza restaurants. “It is an honor to salute these brave officers.”

BOYDS Philadelphia and other Center City retailers will be generously donating a portion of sales for every suit, blazer or jacket sold from November 15th – 20nd to the Foundation.

“Philadelphia has a strong sense of community with a great quality of life and is a desirable place to live and work. This is due, in large part, to the efforts of the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department who play an essential role in the vitality and growth of this city. This is why we are proud to support the Philadelphia Police and its Foundation,” said Jeff Glass, Co-Owner of Boyds.

During the month-long campaign, on-air support and talent appearances will be provided byGreater Media Radio (97.5 The Fanatic, 950 ESPN, 102.9 MGK, 93.3 WMMR, 95.7 BEN FM and their respective Web sites). In addition to Preston & Steve’s appearance at Reading Terminal and an in-studio interview with Commissioner Ramsey on November 2nd, BEN FM personality, Marilyn Russell will be broadcasting from Reading Terminal, featuring a female officer on Woman of the Week, and on November 11th from 4 to 6 PM Marilyn will serve Blue Plate Specials at Cuba Libre restaurant. The Fanatic will host a weekly athletic competition, at the Sporting Club at the Bellevue, of celebrity talent, Vai Sikahema versus members of the Philadelphia Police Force. Afternoon Drive DJ, Andre Gardner will be interviewing members of the force and promoting participating restaurants through his Hometown of the Week Broadcasts.

Comcast has generously donated $60,000 worth of on-air advertising radio spots to promote the campaign and raise awareness for the necessity of reinstituting the Mounted Unit. In addition, Comcast has donated $20,000 to the Foundation to help reach their fundraising goal. During Police Appreciation Month, the Foundation will also turn the city blue with colored fountains, as well as promote the month via lights on the PECO and the Cira Centre buildings.

FOX 29 will feature month-long on-air promotions during Good Day Philadelphia, including a police officer on horseback for FOX Fursday and chefs from participating restaurants on Menu Mondays. John Bolaris, Mike Jerrick and Dave Schratweiser among other newsmen will promote the campaign as well.

The Philadelphia Business Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and philly.comwill also support Police Appreciation Month through advertising space that is being donated to help raise awareness for the month and the mission of the Philadelphia Police Foundation.

“I’d like to thank all of the Philadelphia businesses and their owners in advance for their support of our Philadelphia Police Department through their involvement with Police Appreciation Month,” said Robert J. Ciaruffoli, President of the Philadelphia Police Foundation. “We are very fortunate to have the leadership of Commissioner Ramsey and the dedicated force that serves our community at large every single day.”

 

The Philadelphia Police Foundation is a nonprofit organization that strengthens and enhances the mission of the Philadelphia Police Department by providing resources not covered in the city budget. The New York City Police Foundation harnessed the power of the private sector in the mid-1990s and played an important role in helping the NYPD dramatically reduce its violent crime rate by 75%.

For additional information about Police Appreciation Month and the Philadelphia Police Foundation, contact board member, Dana Spain at 877-254-1982 ext. 4 or dana@DLGbranding.com.