Giving Back To The Community

Philly ReStart
Kyle Korver introduced me to Adam Bruckner who is the Assisant Coach for the Philadelphia KiXX.  
Professional athletes are often looked upon to set an example and serve as role models. While some players may
not willing accept this role, others embrace it. Adam Bruckner has a positive impact on the team and within the
community.  Adam began working with the homeless just after he signed with the team in 2001. Currently, he
is running a homeless ministry called Project Restart; he is also working with another ministry to start a youth
group in the North Philadelphia area.
 
Project Restart is a program that serves weekly meals to the homeless, and helps men and women by offering
assistance in obtaining birth certificates and valid state IDs. The IDs allow them to get jobs and to cash work
checks; this helps to eliminate a huge barrier many of the homeless face when attempting to get their lives back
together. "Two weeks ago we had 140 people just for ID and driver's licenses, and a total of over 250 for the
meal," says Bruckner. Since 2002, the program has helped thousands each year get off the streets and restart
their lives.

On Monday's when I am available, I help Adam and ReStart.  It has been a quite humbling experience and one I
have promised to spread the word about.  For more information, Philly ReStart 

Adam Bruckner giving out checks on a snowy Monday in January as we are helping to feed the homeless steps away.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Another worthwhile organization in which I actively participate is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Not only am on planning committees, I have also participated in the MS 150 mile, City to the Shore
Bike event and The MS Challenge Walk each year since 2003.  In 2007, I entered a team named
Walk-A-Doodle-Doo in the MS Challenge Walk and I am happy to say that we raised over $35,000 in 3 years.

For more information, Walk-A-Doodle-Doo  

I also volunteer for numerous MS Society events throughout the year which include their one day walks & 
The MS Dutch 150.

MS Annual Meeting
At the 2005 National Multiple Sclerosis Annual Meeting, I had the honor of meeting Teri Garr.  Teri Garr's
adventures in films and figuring out her MS diagnosis are detailed in her autobiography titled, "Speed Bumps."  
It is a must read!

MS Leadership Class - 2003
I am also very honored I was asked by the National MS Society to join the 2003 MS Leadership Class
program. This program honors Philadelphia area professionals who have made an outstanding contribution
to the business, civic and cultural betterment of our community, and I am proud and pleased to be a part
of this group.  I received the MS Leadership Award from Pat Croce, the honorary Chairman, at the
Leadership Class Awards Reception on July 15, 2003 at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia.  It was a great
experience and it was wonderful to here Pat Croce say "Cook-A-Doodle-Doo" as only Pat Croce can say
it. He loved the name of the business and took 5 minutes to talk about food, what I cooked and his Italian
heritage.  It was something I will never forget.  Here is a link Pat Croce

American Cancer Society
I am actively involved with raising money for charitable causes.  In my nine years of participation in the
American Cancer Society's Annual Bike-A-Thon to the Shore, I have personally raised over $20,000

Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families of critically ill
children receiving treatment at local hospitals. They operate two Houses in Philadelphia serving a total of
59 families each night. Founded in 1974 as the very first Ronald McDonald House in the world, we are
the model for the over 276 Houses throughout the globe.
  
Chef Allison Coia of Cook-A-Doodle-Doo was honored to be the guest chef along with some friends and family
to serve a wonderful holiday meal on Christmas Day, 2008 & 2009.  
 
 
 
Cook-A-Doodle-Doo & Crew - Christmas Day 2009
Ken McCoy, Caitlin Smith, Chris Elwell, Allison Coia, Sue Gildea, Keith Landis & Matt Coia
 
 
Chirstmas Day 2008 at Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House with my fellow volunteers!