Community

COMMUNITY
 
FAMILY DRIVEN FOR OVER 40 YEARS     
One of the real pleasures of being part of our community is the opportunity to observe and support the good work done by various area organizations. Over our 40 years in business, we have been privileged to join others in offering encouragement and assistance to a number of these institutions whose positive impact has been sustained and significant. We are pleased to thank them here publically, and we encourage you to consider partnering with us in underwriting their mission:
 

 

ALEX’S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION
Midway through her struggle with cancer, four-year-old Alexandra Scott decided she wanted to “give back” to those trying to cure her, and set up a lemonade stand in her front yard to raise funds for pediatric oncologic research. At her death in 2004, her stand and the support it inspired had raised over $1 million. Today, the foundation that bears her name has generated over $35 million, $12 million of it from lemonade stand sales around the country. ALSF has funded more than 150 cutting-edge research projects, and provides direct support for patients and families battling childhood cancer.
 
 

BENCHMARK SCHOOL
Established in 1728, Benchmark School is dedicated to providing students who are struggling readers and writers with the tools and strategies they need to become lifelong learners, strategic thinkers and problem solvers. Always respecting the uniqueness of each pupil and with research-based instruction designed to build on our students’ strengths, we address the individual areas of challenge with the goal of fully developing their potential. Self-efficacy, confidence, social skills and motivation for learning are emphasized along with a focus on academic skills. The result of this coordinated approach is a learning environment that is structured and supportive, while being intellectually stimulating. Benchmark enrolls approximately 160 full-time students ages 6 to 14 from the five-county Philadelphia region, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. In addition, a five-week Summer Camp serves approximately 230 children who benefit from reading and writing instruction beyond the regular school year, as well as enjoy a recreational day camp experience.
 
 

BISHOP SHANAHAN FOOTBALL
With its 2010 record of 5-3, the Bishop Shanahan Eagles qualified for the District One AAA Playoffs for the first time in school history. Key wins for the season included besting West Chester Rustin, Avon Grove, and West Chester East, all 4-A classification schools. The Philadelphia Inquirer named quarterback Ryan Egolf “Junior Player of the Week” (2010), and running back Keegan Lawton “Senior Player of the Week” (2010). Members of the Ches-Mont National League, the Eagles currently have eight graduates playing college football. Eight members of the 2009 team were selected for the First Team All-State, All-Academic Team.
 
 

BMW GOLF CLUB SERIES AT RADLEY RUN COUNTRY CLUB
Otto’s is a proud sponsor of the 2011 BMW Golf Club Series at Radley Run Country Club on June 17, 2011. The event, open exclusively to club members and their guests, is part of the BMW Golf Cup International, the largest amateur golf series in the world. For more than 20 years, this program has enhanced existing member tournaments in over 35 countries. The top two local finishers receive an invitation to compete in the BMW Golf Cup U.S. Final at the legendary Pinehurst Resort, nestled in the beautiful Sandhills of North Carolina. The four-day event includes championship golf, entertainment, food and beverage, awards and prizes. The member tournament at Radley Run will feature a number of enhancements for 2011: a $1000 purchase incentive for each player; a hole-in-one opportunity to win a new BMW 7 Series sedan; a closest-to-the-pin prize of a BMW M-School Experience; plus many golf premiums for all participants.
 
 

BRANDYWINE POLO CLUB
The Brandywine Polo club brings excitement and a touch of elegance to the Brandywine Valley. With its two tournament-sized fields and matches every summer Sunday afternoon, the club regularly draws crowds ranging from 200 to 250, with some competitions attracting upwards of 3000 devotees. Each field has reserved field-side parking as well as an enclosed members area and Pavilion for those wishing to view the proceedings in style. There is also ample general admission space. The grounds, just a short drive from the Route 1 Toughkenamon exit, are perfect for corporate or private picnics and parties.
 
 

BRIAN’S RUN
Brian's Run, the longest consecutively-run race in the Philadelphia area, began in 1978 as a one-time fundraising event to benefit Brian Bratcher, a West Chester Henderson High School football player paralyzed by a spinal cord injury during a scrimmage. With a goal of raising $500, the event attracted 2,000 runners and generated $20,000 to help Brian with his expenses. After 1979, at Brian’s request, organizers decided to broaden their support, and in the ensuing years, the run has raised over $600,000 to assist disabled students with mobility, seeing, and communication. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, December 5th at West Chester Henderson, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and is expected to draw 3,000 runners as well as many spectators who will spend the day volunteering and cheering on the participants.
 
 

THE CAMPHILL SPECIAL SCHOOL
Our mission is to create wholeness for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education and therapy in extended family living so that they may be better understood and their disabilities moderated. Our vision is that those in our school may more fully realize their potential, and that they more completely and meaningfully participate in life. We have residential and day academic and pre-vocational programs, as well as therapeutic care, for children in kindergarten through grade twelve. We also offer a Transition Program for young people eighteen to twenty-one. This includes vocational experiences, opportunities to learn life skills in a life-sharing community setting, continued academic support and therapies, and an outreach program. Our Camphill School of Curative Education and Social Therapy prepares its graduates to work with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities by combining traditional academic coursework with hands-on teaching and community living experience.
 
 

CHADDS FORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
From its incorporation in 1968, the Chadds Ford Historical Society has been focused on the rescue, restoration, and maintenance of two key 18th-century Chester County landmarks: the John Chads House and the Barns-Brinton House. Both structures were purchased to forestall their demolition, and with the guidance of renowned area architect John Milner, were brought back to their original state. In 1987, a replica of a Pennsylvania bank barn was built on the footprint of the William Hoffman dairy barn to house an office, meeting room, library, and display area. Throughout the year, the Society sponsors a series of events which serve as community focal points and important revenue sources for its ongoing educational efforts and stewardship responsibilities.
 
 

CHADDS FORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Crozer-Chester Medical Center (Crozer) is a 343-bed not-for-profit tertiary-care teaching hospital located on a beautiful 68-acre campus. Crozer was established in 1963 through the merger of Chester Hospital (c. 1893) and Crozer Hospital (c. 1902), and became one of the founding hospitals of CKHS in 1990. Today, the medical center admits more than 22,000 patients, treats approximately 52,000 Emergency Department patients, completes more than 9,500 surgeries and delivers about 2,000 babies a year. CCMC has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center and offers comprehensive cardiac services, including open heart surgery. Its Regional Trauma Center is the only one of its kind in the region, and the Burn Treatment Center is nationally recognized for its excellence. Crozer’s Regional Cancer Center is in the Fox Chase Crozer-Keystone Partnership.
 
 

CHADDS FORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc. (DBCC) began in 1991 as a small group of community volunteers committed to decreasing the mortality rate of breast cancer in Delaware. Becoming a 501c(3) non-profit organization in 1997, DBCC accelerated its efforts to raise awareness of breast health issues in the state through outreach, education, and the active support of early detection and treatment of the disease. Today, with headquarters in Wilmington and offices serving each of the three counties in the state, DBCC has programs tailored to the unique needs of its different population groups, and has trained health care providers offering culturally competent care and educational sessions for the general public through corporate and community organizations.
 
 

DELAWARE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Located on Wilmington’s family-friendly Riverfront, the Delaware Children’s Museum is a unique learning environment designed to inspire discovery and imagination, and promote problem-solving through hands-on play and exploration. Built for “kids one to twelve – and their grownups,” the DCM features seven interactive exhibits and programs focused on math, science, and technology. The core philosophy of the Museum is the recognition of play as an essential ingredient in the cognitive, emotional, physical, and moral development of an individual. Research shows that “playful learning” contributes to success in school because children are more motivated to learn when they follow and explore their own curiosity in a playful way. At DCM, therefore, “kids lead the way to play,” igniting their own creativity and building the confidence and imaginative minds they will need to face and surmount the challenges in their future.
 
 

DOWNINGTOWN EAST HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
The Cougars began the 2010 season with lofty goals. With the return of a strong core of senior players, they went on to clinch the 2010 Ches-Mont National League Division title and entered the Class AAAA District 1 playoffs as the #6 seed. The Cougars graduated six players from a 2009 team, who went on to play football in college. Their 2010 Senior Class has amassed a record of 24-8 with three consecutive league championships.
 
 

DRIVING AWAY THE COLD
 - AUTO DEALERS CARING FOR KIDS FOUNDATION
Since its launch in 2008, Driving Away the Cold has provided over 56,000 winter coats to help warm the hearts and bodies of the more than 150,000 children living below the poverty line throughout the five-county metropolitan Philadelphia area. Each year, this signature program of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation jump-starts the effort by donating 10,000 coats, which are supplemented by a WE PLEDGE drive by Otto’s BMW and other dealer members matching one coat for each car sold during the month of September. For 2010, the campaign topped its goal of 20,000 garments, which were distributed by the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley.
 
 

THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF WEST CHESTER
In 1911, a group of businessmen in Detroit formed the first Exchange Club, so called because its members wanted to exchange ideas and information with like-minded individuals about how to better serve their community. Now known as “America’s Service Club,” it has been replicated in nearly 700 cities in the United States and Puerto Rico, and is working to make life better through service programs, youth activities, and the prevention of child abuse. The West Chester club celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2011, and remains the fastest-growing organization of its type in the area. Its work has been recognized by dozens of awards over the years, including being one 23 Exchange clubs nationwide to receive the Big E award for “demonstrated excellence in expansion and extension of membership, efficiency of operations, and education of the public.” The club’s motto of "Unity for Service" captures the spirit and purpose of the many community and patriotic projects that it sponsors. Because the Exchange Club is exclusively an American institution without international affiliation, it does not hesitate to lend its voice and effort to programs which project the fundamental American heritage of freedom.
 
 

JAY WOODRUFF MEMORIAL FUND
Jay Woodruff, acknowledged by all who knew him as a dedicated and selfless husband and father, died on July 21, 2009 after a three-week battle with leukemia. He was 39. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Jay served as a naval officer on active duty and in the reserves, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander. As a civilian, he worked in the banking industry, joining Bank of America as their vice-president and market performance manager in the Philadelphia-Bucks County region. The Jay Woodruff Memorial Fund was created to honor his memory and build awareness of leukemia and other bone marrow disorders. Each August, a namesake golf tournament is held, the proceeds of which go to the Memorial Fund and the Leukemia & Lymphoma.
 
 

JIMBO’S SQUAD
In 2008, after a long bout with cancer, James ("Jimbo") McDonald passed away at 59, leaving behind friends and family who wanted to memorialize his indefatigable optimism and youthful zest for life under the most difficult circumstances. An enthusiastic runner, Jimbo had competed in the Philadelphia Broad Street Run in 1984, which he described as one of his proudest moments. In his honor, his supporters – dubbed Jimbo’s Squad – decided to join the 2008 Run, raising over $7600 for cancer research. The turnout and support were so significant that the Squad decided to continue the tradition, donating all proceeds to the Fox Chase Cancer Center, where Jim had received such exceptional care and treatment. Jimbo’s Squad is now an affiliate fundraising group of the FCCC’s Board of Associates and is committed to support the good work performed by the Center and its gifted physicians and staff.
 
 

KENNETT SYMPHONY OF CHESTER COUNTY (KSCC)
Founded in 1940, the KSCC is Chester County’s only professional symphony orchestra. As part of its ambitious mission, it performs a wide range of music at affordable prices to enrich and entertain its audiences, including free concerts each season for children and their families. It also sponsors several voice and instrumental competitions each year in which young, aspiring musicians compete for prizes and an opportunity to perform with the orchestra. This community outreach was expanded in 1990 with the formation of a Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus, comprised of nearly 100 vocalists, ages six through eighteen. In 2006 the chorus transitioned to become the Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus in residence at West Chester University. The KSCC also facilitates music education programs in the area, providing resources and exposure to classical music, such as the School House Symphony programs coordinated by the Kennett Symphony League.
 
 

LAURELS AT LANDHOPE

Combined driving is the fastest growing equestrian sport in the country. It features the elegance of dressage, the excitement of cross-country, and is an intricate test of skill and precision. The most prestigious of the major events, The Laurels at Landhope in West Grove, Pa., is an International Competition hosting the best drivers from Canada, Mexico and the United States, and is recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011 with an anticipated weekend attendance in the thousands, Laurels is a wonderful outing for the entire family. In addition to enjoying the various specialty food tents and daily entertainment, guests can browse the enormous trade fair – a wide variety of vendors featuring equestrian and canine antiques and collectibles, original art and prints, apparel for all occasions, jewelry, giftware, carriages and carriage equipment.
 
 

MEDIA BUSINESS AUTHORITY
The mission of the Media Business Authority is to encourage economic growth and business development, enhance the visual appeal of our town, and sponsor activities and programs designed to boost business patronage and our quality of life. Among the events which burnish Media’s reputation as a go-to destination are:
  • Dining Under the Stars – Now in its fourth year, this promotion draws multitudes of hungry people to Media every Wednesday evening from May through September.
  • 2011 Music Series – The 11th annual State Street Blues Stroll (June 11) features Catherine Russell, winner of the Village Voice 2008 Best Vocal Album of the Year. Other recurring events include “Media Americana Roots Ramble” and “Jazz by Night Celebration” (November 19).
  • 31st Annual Food Festival o Antique Car Show

A full listing of events can be found at http://visitmediapa.com/calendar/

 
 

MILLER PARK CONCERT SERIES
The 2011 Miller Park Summer Concert season opens June 5 with The Fabulous Greaseband and runs through August 14, when the series concludes with The Big Band from the Valley. Also on the schedule are the Barbone St. Jazz Band (June 19), the Bryn Mawr Mainliners and Chester County Concert Band (July 3), the Janis Newland Band (July 17), and the Highballs (July 31). Held at the gazebo in Albert C. Miller Memorial Park in Exton, PA, the concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. (except July 3rd, which begins at 7:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Full details are available at www.westwhiteland.org, including possible rain dates. The concerts are made possible by the financial support of West Whiteland Township, the generosity of area businesses and community-minded individuals, and a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Those wishing to support this popular cultural series for the 2011 season should contact Janice Gottesfeld at 610 363-9525.
 
 

MONTGOMERY SCHOOL
Founded in 1915, Montgomery School is a flourishing independent, co-educational day school serving prekindergarten through grade eight in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. The School is dedicated to the development of each child in mind and body through academics, fine and performing arts, and athletics in an enriching cultural and physical environment. The School is equally committed to the growth of each child's character, with an emphasis on integrity, respect, responsibility, and service to others.
 
 

MR. STEWART’S HOUNDS
Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds Pony Club, located in Southern Chester County has a rich history of teaching children horsemanship, accountability, generosity, volunteerism and environmental stewardship. It is guided by the mission of the United States Pony Club (USPC) in providing programs that introduce and instruct young people under the age of 21 in riding, mounted sports, such as foxhunting, as well as the care of horses and ponies, all with an eye to developing character, responsibility, “moral judgment, leadership and self-confidence.” Specific instructions are offered in dressage, eventing, show jumping, mounted games, tetrathlon, quiz, vaulting, foxhunting, and polocrosse. During "unmounted" meetings members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care, and other areas of horse management.
 
 

REINS OF LIFE
Established in 1993 and based at Wolf’s Hollow Farm in southern Chester County, Reins of Life is a nonprofit corporation renowned for its therapeutic riding program for children and young adults with disabilities. The organization focuses on promoting physical development, socialization and learning through its accessible and enjoyable equine activities, and is always heartened to witness the transformation that occurs as their young riders grow in confidence and develop a strong sense of accomplishment.
 
 

SUSAN G. KOMEN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION
With local affiliates in 125 communities, SGKBSF is the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find the cures. Since 1982, Komen for the Cure has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer – transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. Through the support of dealerships like Otto’s BMW, the Komen Race for the Cure has invested more than $1.2 billion to fulfill its commitment, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
 
 

TEAM USA - [BMW DRIVE FOR TEAM USA]
Here at BMW, we believe in producing cars that are high performing, efficient and most importantly, undeniably exciting. With these core values, it's no surprise that we are the Official Mobility Partner for the 2012, 2014 & 2016 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. BMW will also be the exclusive automotive sponsor of USA Bobsled & Skeleton, US Speedskating, USA Swimming, and USA Track & Field. We have a heritage of supporting the Olympic Movement dating back to the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. Our future plans include launching fundraising initiatives and exploring how our facilities and experts will aid the performance of Team USA.
 
 

UNITED WAY OF SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY
With the many problems facing our communities today – drugs, homelessness, illiteracy, poverty, worries about care of children and the elderly – it's not always easy to figure out how to help. So many groups are asking for your support, and you want to be sure the time and money you give really make a difference. That's what United Way of Southern Chester County is all about. Last year, locally-based nonprofit programs funded by UWSCC impacted the lives of over 13,000 southern Chester County residents. And as the sobering statistics demonstrate, those needs continue to escalate. But with your support, UWSCC will continue to make a difference in the lives of your neighbors and create a better community for all. It is not just about writing a check – it is about making a difference in someone’s life.
 
 

UNIONVILLE COMMUNITY FAIR
The 87th Unionville Community Fair, hosted by Landhope Farms, will be held September 30th through October 2nd, 2011. It will feature the largest display of agricultural products, handcrafts and arts in Chester County, and will honor the heritage, traditions, and future of the community. The irresistible array of demonstrations, exhibitions, competitions, music, food, a parade, and pony rides will draw an anticipated attendance of over 12,000 and will be a delight for the entire family. A centerpiece of the event will be the crowning of the 2011 Unionville Community Fair Queen. Last year’s pageant winner, Claire Werkiser, went on to become the 2011 Pennsylvania Fair Queen, and is currently traveling the Commonwealth serving as an ambassador for the fair association. There is no gate fee for this perennially-popular event, and all are welcome to come celebrate the importance of agriculture, homemaking and the arts.
 
 

WEST CHESTER EAST VOLLEYBALL

The Vikings began the 2010 season looking to once again make District playoffs after missing it a year prior. With the return of a strong core of seven senior players, they went on as the #24 seed in the Class AAA District 1 playoffs. The Vikings overall record for the 2010 regular season was 10 wins and 5 losses. This team was led by seniors Kate Amodei, 1st Team All Chesmont 2010, and Sarah Ranson 2nd Team All Chesmont 2010.
 
 

WEST CHESTER PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Department is to provide a variety of safe, affordable and enjoyable educational and recreational programs and activities that enhance the quality of life in West Chester now and for generations to follow. Among the many wonderful events it plans and implements are Swingin’ Summer Thursdays, May Day Festival of the Arts, Super Sunday, The Turks Head Music Festival, and The Chester County Restaurant Festival. All of these events are free and a great way to get out and meet new people and explore the best of what West Chester has to offer.
 
 

WEST CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
“We are a community library. That’s what we do.” (Victoria Dow, Director). Serving six municipalities with diverse populations, West Chester Public Library is a font of learning and a hub of citizen connectivity, with materials and programs for every age. The landmark brick structure, which has served as its home since it was built for that purpose in 1888, has played a central role in the lives of new residents and longtime patrons alike. The library relishes its iconic status as the locus of West Chester, and invites everyone to enjoy its facilities and varied resources.
 
 

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL
West Chester ended its 2010 season 4-7, its first losing record since 2002, with the fewest wins in a season since 2000. Rounding out the disappointing statistics, it was also the first time in head coach Bill Zwaan’s 13-year head coaching career that he finished with a losing record. On the plus side, senior running back D’Andre Webb’s 11 rushing TDs in 2010 was one less than he had in his previous three years combined. Senior wide receiver DePalma finished the season with 962 receiving yards and nine TDs on 50 catches, which ranks 10th all-time in a single season at WCU. Place-kicker Shawn Leo made 9 of 10 field goal attempts on the year, breaking the school record for highest FG percentage in a single season, a record that had been on the books since 1979. In announcing this 2011 National Letter of Intent signees, Coach Zwaan referenced the school’s strong tradition on the gridiron and his anticipation of returning to the postseason after a two-year hiatus.
 
 

WEST CHESTER VOLUNTEER ENGLISH PROGRAM
No single skill is more crucial to adult immigrants hoping to assimilate and prosper in the United States than learning English. Full participation in our culture requires being able to read, write, and converse in our national language, and since 1986, West Chester’s Volunteer English Program has helped thousands of America’s most vulnerable newcomers achieve that goal. With better English skills and an understanding of American culture, immigrants and refugees can more effectively perform their adult roles as family members, workers and community participants. They move from being served toward self-sufficiency, from needing support services to becoming contributing members of their communities, a process that revitalizes those communities through their consumerism and entrepreneurship. Quite literally, everybody wins.
 
 

YMIC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING
The Young Men In Charge (YMIC) Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to increasing the number of African American males participating in the disciplines of engineering, science and law, through academic tutoring, mentoring, and financial assistance programs. To accomplish this mission, the group has formed partnerships with educational institutions, industry practitioners, as well as alliances within the corporate world. YMIC provides African American males from 5th through 12th grades with mentoring, and academic support through seminars, summer enrichment, community services, leadership and entrepreneurial programs. Those who have reached the goals agreed to by the Foundation, the parent/guardian, and the youth are provided scholarships for further education. The annual YMIC Golf Outing at the Whitford Country Club raises crucial revenue to support these programs.