Despite the sweltering summer in Philadelphia, Devine + Partners‘ clients have been busier than ever! From community philanthropy to major renovations and groundbreaking events, dive into the success stories that have made this season memorable.
City of Chester
The City of Chester is breaking ground on the path to economic revitalization after having been in a state of financial emergency for 30 years. The city recently announced its Facade Enhancement Initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at revitalizing its Central Business District through beautification grants it will provide to qualifying businesses. Read more from WHYY.
Chester also announced its efforts to enhance neighborhood safety by implementing significant changes to its street patrol officer staffing. Officers will now work 12-hour shifts instead of divvying up three eight-hour shifts, causing an increase in the number of officers per shift. The changes align with Mayor Stefan Roots’ Safe Summer Initiative. Read more in Delco Today.
Firstrust Bank
In late May, Firstrust Bank and the Green Family Foundation awarded $360,000 worth of scholarships through the Samuel A. Green Scholarship Program. Eighteen college-bound high school seniors in the Greater Philadelphia region received $20,000 each to support their higher education over four years. D+P secured a range of community-oriented coverage highlighting the recipients, the mission of the scholarship program, and the values of Firstrust Bank. Stories ran in the Northeast Times, Around Ambler, Philadelphia Review and North Penn Now.
FuelCell Energy
Did you know that AI and data centers could have serious implications on the U.S. electrical grid? In a story from Investor’s Business Daily, Mark Feasel, chief commercial officer of FuelCell Energy, shed some light on the continued growth in demand for data centers, the growing demand’s potentially adverse effects on the grid, as well as how alternative energy sources like fuel cells can help lessen the burden.
National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership
The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership seeks to make it clear that the values of the Medal of Honor – Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Commitment, Patriotism and Citizenship – can be attained by anyone. Of course, you can live out those values while serving in the military, like Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia, who shared his story and words of wisdom at a book talk in Washington, D.C. But, the Medal’s values can also be attained by everyday civilians, as demonstrated in a series of blogs on the Center for Leadership’s website.
Children’s author and retired educator Rita Lorraine Hubbard seeks to help children realize that they, too, can attain the Medal’s values through books she will release in 2025 at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chatanooga, Tenn. Fred Firestone, professional motivational speaker and co-founder of the Punderdome in New York City, utilized courage and integrity to introduce new approaches to customer and audience engagement.
Reach Cyber Charter School
Reach Cyber Charter School students have the opportunity to progress academically at their own pace, and dive into subjects and interests in a more in-depth way than most brick-and-mortar schools. D+P earned media coverage that showcased the stories of several innovative students of the statewide online school, which held its 2024 graduation in June. Read more about a student-run podcast in The Citizens’ Voice, a 7-year-old fashion designer in Lower Bucks Times and Reach Cyber’s first carpentry program graduates in Trib Live.
Saint John’s Hospice
During Catholic Charities Night at Citizens Bank Park on May 31, the Good Shepherd Singers of Saint John’s Hospice (SJH) performed the Star-Spangled Banner for a sold out crowd at the Philadelphia Phillies v. St. Louis Cardinals game. The Good Shepherd Singers are comprised of both residents and staff of SJH, a leading provider of residential and day services programs to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The performance for the crowd of 40,000 was a memorable way for SJH residents and staff to give back to the city. D+P secured NBC10 coverage and developed a SJH blog post about the meaningful performance.
The Circuit Trails
The Circuit Trails is a network of multi-use trails that serves the Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey region, and it could be on the receiving end of major funding. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission released its 2025 Fiscal Year Transportation Improvement Program in May, which included more than $200 million allocated for the development of Circuit Trails projects that will make the region more walkable and bikeable. These funds will advance the Circuit Trails Coalition’s goal of completing 500 miles by 2025. D+P earned coverage in The Philadelphia Inquirer, KYW Newsradio, MyChesCo and Our Community Now.
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Summer wouldn’t be complete without the Mann‘s summer residency with The Philadelphia Orchestra, a tradition dating back to 1930. The orchestral series kicked off with the Tchaikovsky Spectacular, an evening of family fun punctuated by Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and a fireworks display.
The 2024 Movies @ the Mann series debuted with Batman In Concert, celebrating the Michael Keaton film’s 35th anniversary. The Philadelphia Orchestra played the score in sync with the film, which was projected on giant screens for the audience.
Indie-rock band DISPATCH joined the Orchestra for a night of classical-rock fusion, which was the first time these groups had collaborated. Listen to the Mann’s CEO Catherine M. Cahill give a rundown of the residency on CBS News Philadelphia.
In preparation for its 48th season, the Mann renovated its backstage area, where new artwork, lounge areas and dressing rooms were installed. The design honors the historic Centennial District and Fairmount Park, where the Mann resides. Hear more about the project on NBC10.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was a stop along the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in June. The route, named after the first American-born saint to be canonized, brought out more than 1,100 people who attended the Mass and procession in Emmitsburg. Catholic media and local regional outlets covered the pilgrimage stop. Learn more about the event in an article by Catholic Review and an inside look by EWTN.
Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation
The Tun Tavern was established in 1693 and served as a place of community in Philadelphia for the United States Marines Corps and other organizations. The Tun™ burned down in 1781, and the Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation plans to honor its role in history by rebuilding The Tun™. D+P interviewed Pat Dailey, the founder of the Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation, about his time in the Marines Corps, the historical significance of the tavern and his aspirations for the space. Read more on The Tun™’s website.
VisionLink
VisionLink released the next edition of its quarterly newsletter, VisionLink & You, with D+P developed content for donors, friends and supporters. The newsletter is a place for people to learn more about the growing community dedicated to building a more accessible region for people with vision loss and how VisionLink helps people reach their goals for greater independence. This newsletter shares donor announcements from The Sarah Ralston Foundation and the Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, a partnership spotlight on MERCY Life, a client milestone from a VisionLink instructor, ways to stay connected to VisonLink and more.
Devine + Partners is a public relations agency in Philadelphia. We offer a full range of communications services – from message and content development and media relations to issues management and employee and community engagement.
