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There’s a Food Revolution Going On at Grub Burger Bar in Willow Grove
Story by Kelly Kusumoto, Photography by Robert Apodaca Across from the Willow Grove Park Mall, a food revolution is going on. It’s called Fast-Casual and the folks at Grub Burger Bar are behind the movement. There, they believe in Good people, Real food, a Unique vibe, and Big flavors (G.R.U.B.). For an afternoon, I joined the resistance to see what was cookin’. Market Partner Kevin Cross gave me a tour of the restaurant and let me sample some of their most popular fare, which features much more than just burgers and fries. He introduced me to Managing Partner Tom Stevens and some of the engaging staff who define the Good people…
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The Cat’s Out of the Bag: Le Cat Cafe Saves Cats for Loving Homes
Photos, story by Jill Beckel To say that the talent of Explore Philly are cat lovers is an extreme understatement. We love cats, sharing cat videos and memes, and pretty much anything cat-related. When we got a chance to check out Le Cat Café, we practically purred with joy. Le Cat Café opened March 9, 2016 on 2713 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. The owner, Kathy Jordan, has been doing animal rescue work since 2002. She loves cats and has 12 of her own at home! Le Cat Cafe is a non-profit organization that hopes to find homes for lots of deserving cats in addition to offering a unique cafe experience to its cat-loving visitors. In…
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Over 3,800 Collages Decorate ‘City of Murals’ Thanks to Mural Arts Program
Photos, story by Jill Beckel It was a beautiful city morning when Explore Philly got the chance to go on a Mural Arts tour. Mural Arts tours are perfect for year-round social gatherings, business outings or fundraising events. We took a walking tour, but there are train and trolley tours offered as well. Our lovely tour guide of the day, Elise, gave us some background about the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. It began in 1984 when the mayor of Philadelphia opened an anti-graffiti network for kids and young adults. He hoped that this would dissuade kids from vandalizing Philly buildings with spray paint graffiti, which was becoming a huge problem…
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The Great Chefs Event Combines Food, Fashion and Charity Deliciously
Photos, story by Deja Cromartie The Vetri Family restaurants and Vetri Community Partnership brought together more than 40 chefs from around the world to the city of Philadelphia for an amazing dining experience that benefited Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Vetri Community Partnership. There were also a few surprises such as the burger king, chef Bobby Flay serving his delicious burgers to guests and a custom gin drinking station that provided a show to guests that waited for their beverage. The food was amazing and there was something to try for everyone. There were so many options it was hard to make it around to each table. However, it was…
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Positively Pink: A Masquerade Ball at West Laurel Hill to Beat Breast Cancer
Story by Elizabeth Coffey, photos by Cassie Hepler Whether it’s your mother, your sister, your aunt, or your friend, everyone’s life has been touched in some way or another by breast cancer. This deadly disease not only takes a toll on the physical well-being of those battling it, but their emotional well-being as well. This is where the charity, Unite For Her comes into play to help save the day. They’re dedicated to supporting these female warriors with complimentary therapies that bridge the gap between the medical and wellness communities. It was an honor to go to the Positively Pink Masquerade Ball to support this generous non-profit in their mission to help those…
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PRUM Philly Pimps the Prom Theme with Crossfit University City and Helps Veterans, Travis Manion Foundation
Story, photos by Deja Cromartie The 2nd Annual PRUM got much more fancy than your high school prom and also benefited the Travis Manion Foundation for veterans at the Arts Ballroom. The black-tie optional event included a 3-hour open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, items for raffle, and an awesome DJ. Attendees were dressed to impress and had an awesome time raising money for a great cause. The Travis Manion Foundation was founded shortly after the death of 1st Lt. Travis Manion in Iraq on April 29, 2007 and Crossfit University City is a huge supporter, sparking the idea for a more lively “prom” fundraiser. The organization “engages with veterans and families of the…
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YB Connected Gets Green with Grow Your Own – Cultivating a Leadership Ecosystem at Philadelphia Union League
Story, photos by Deja Cromartie YB Connected hosted an amazing networking soiree at the Philadelphia Union League in March. The event supported the Germination Project, which is an organization that has “a mission to create a self-sustaining, and perpetuating ecosystem for Philadelphia’s next generation of leadership.” Utilizing the region’s current leaders, the Germination Project seeks to catalyze and energize the crème de la crème of ambitious young men and women. This group is brought together by the following : their talent, drive and commitment to putting their gifts into service for the benefit of our city. Philadelphia’s best and brightest are invited, regardless of circumstance, into a committed and empowered fellowship–bestowing…
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Carnival Games, Ferris Wheel Rides and Fun with Flyers Fans and Their Families at the Annual Philadelphia Flyers Wives Carnival
Story, photos by Jill Beckel Rides, games, food and fun were abundant at the 39th Annual Flyers Wives Carnival which took place on Sunday, March 13th at the Wells Fargo Center. Among the newly-added attractions were a center-ice carousel, carnival games, and the opportunity to purchase player autographs prior to the carnival. This annual event welcomed thousands of Flyers fans to mingle with players and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon all while supporting a great cause (local charities). To the delight of both young and old, last year’s six-story-high Ferris wheel also returned to this year’s carnival. Fans had the chance to play lots of carnival games including water guns, fun house mirrors, balloon darts, a strongman attraction,…
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Bling + Bingo = Blingo: ‘Checkmate Duchenne’ Benefit to Cure Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
By Jill Beckel What happens when you mix bling and bingo? Blingo is born! Everyone wanted to be part of the blinged out action at The Rittenhouse Hotel this past Saturday for the second annual Blingo to Cure Duchenne event. The crowd was treated to a fun and exciting atmosphere along with delicious food, drinks and live auction packages. Both the hotel’s décor and guests were blinged out to make a difference for hundreds of thousands of boys suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that impacts 1 in every 3,500 boys. Boys are usually diagnosed by age 5, in a wheelchair by 12, and most don’t…