PHILADELPHIA, PA, Dec 03, 2008 — Penn’s Landing Corporation announced today that it has secured funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Penn’s Landing Corporation and private corporate sponsors PRWT Services, Inc., the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia and the Moshulu, to save the fireworks traditionally scheduled on New Year’s Eve.
Due to continuing financial challenges, the City of Philadelphia was not in a position to continue New Year’s Eve fireworks this year. Penn’s Landing Corporation Acting President, Joseph Brooks was not about to let this 18-year tradition end. “This matter required leadership so we put a rescue plan together in order to keep this important regional economic development engine going forward,” said Mr. Brooks. “Already struggling businesses could not afford this unexpected loss at the 11th hour. We had to do something, the people in this region deserve to celebrate what they hope will be a brighter new year.”
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was first to provide a challenge grant. This seed money began the fundraising process as others were challenged to find the funding for this tradition. “I am truly gratified that the family tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve at Penn’s Landing will now be able to continue through the generous contribution of local corporations and organizations, such as PRWT Services, Inc., the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia, and the Moshulu Waterfront Restaurant,” commented Representative Dennis O’Brien from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Private corporate sponsor and good corporate citizen, PRWT Services, Inc., stepped up to help come to the rescue of the annual tradition of New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Philadelphia. “Since its founding in 1988, PRWT has been committed to supporting non-profit organizations in the neighborhoods where our employees work and live. We are excited to support the fireworks celebration and we are proud to become part of the New Year’s Eve tradition for thousands of residents and visitors throughout the Philadelphia region,” remarks Sherri Kyle-Jones, Senior Vice-President of Communications of PRWT Services, Inc.
PRWT Services, Inc. (
www.prwt.com), a nationally recognized minority-owned enterprise, is the largest minority-owned business headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia Region and has been ranked in the top 100 minority-owned businesses in America by Black Enterprise magazine for the past eight years. Founded in 1988, PRWT has matured into a leading business process outsourcing provider of high volume, high performance services and a provider of facilities management services and manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients through its subsidiaries U.S. Facilities, Inc. and Cherokee Pharmaceuticals LLC, respectively. PRWT is in fact the first minority owned manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States.
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia is also excited to assist in maintaining the New Year’s Eve traditions of Philadelphians and will be donating a percentage of the evening’s sales to support the fireworks. Julie Coker, General Manager of the property, comments, “Hyatt Regency Philadelphia is pleased to help Philadelphians keep the long standing tradition of New Years Fireworks on the landing. We believe in giving back to the community in which our associates and guests live and work.”
Keating’s River Grill at Hyatt Regency Philadelphia will offer multiple seatings from 8:00pm to 10:30pm on December 31, 2008. Guests will enjoy exclusive Terrace and Dining Room views of the Delaware Riverfront and firework displays, a midnight champagne toast with party favors and a 4-Course dinner for $80.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Please call 215-928-1234 or visit
www.hyattregencyphiladelphia.com for additional information.
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia is located on Penn’s Landing overlooking the Delaware River. The hotel features 350 guestrooms in addition to 24,000 square feet of flexible function space including the 7,400 square-foot Grand Ballroom, and the 3,800 square-foot Columbus Ballroom. Keating’s River Grill offers waterfront views, enticing menu options and a lounge area with signature cocktails. A short distance from historical attractions or nightlife entertainment, Hyatt Regency Philadelphia is the place to stay when traveling for business or pleasure. For reservations or information, call Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at 215-928-1234 or visit
www.hyattregencyphiladelphia.comWaterfront restaurant proprietor, Marty Grims of the Moshulu adds, “The fireworks are part of the waterfront tradition in Philadelphia, and I think it’s really important that it be continued. It’s a highlight of Penn’s Landing and I’m proud to be one of the sponsors. Regardless of the economy, all of us on the waterfront have to pull together to make sure this great tradition lives on.”
The Moshulu will be offering a prix-fixe, chef’s tasting dinner. The four-course dinner is $90 before 7:30 and $130 for seatings after 7:30 p.m. and includes a complimentary champagne toast and the perfect view of the breathtaking midnight fireworks. There will also be live entertainment and dancing. The Moshulu is now accepting reservations at 215-923-2500 or for more information, visit
www.moshulu.com.
Thanks to these sponsors, December 31, 2008 will end in sparkling delight, as Philadelphia’s annual FREE New Year’s Eve fireworks show at Penn’s Landing, continues the tradition of ringing in the year with a bang. Since 1991, fireworks on New Year’s Eve has become a tradition at Penn’s Landing, and now thousands of people visit Penn’s Landing to watch the fireworks display and celebrate at New Year’s Eve.
Seen easily along Philadelphia’s waterfront at Penn’s Landing at Midnight, this year’s production will weave a tapestry of color choreographed to music. The overall music track will be simulcast on KYW Newsradio 1060 and KYW-HD and is scored to evoke hope in the upcoming new year. The fireworks will also be broadcast live on CBS 3 for region to enjoy.
2009 New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Penn’s Landing are made possible by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Penn’s Landing Corporation, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, PRWT Services, Inc, Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing and the Moshulu.
SOURCE: Penn’s Landing Corporation
