Drexel University and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Host $90,000 Check Presentation to Mantua After-School Program

The Aberdeen Charitable Foundation presented an oversized check for $90,000 to the Mantua in Action after-school program

Drexel University and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation hosted a check presentation celebration on Wednesday, June 5, at the James L. Wright Recreation Center (33rd and Haverford Streets) in honor of the Aberdeen Charitable Foundation’s commitment to provide $90,000 of funding over three years to Mantua in Action, a youth development program for middle-school students in Mantua.

The after-school program brings together sports and enrichment opportunities to transform educational outcomes for Mantua youth by helping them succeed in school, matriculate and successfully graduate from high school.

Joining Drexel President John Fry for the program were Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, 3rd District; Michael DiBerardinis, deputy mayor for Environmental and Community Resources; Lucy Kerman, vice provost for University and Community Partnerships, Drexel University; Aberdeen Chief Executive Gary Marshall; Mantua in Action Junior Coach Brandon Pemberton; Nancy Peter, co-director, Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative; students in the Mantua in Action program; and representatives from the community.

Prior to and following the remarks and presentation of the oversized check, students from Belmont Charter School, who participate in Mantua in Action, performed wrestling demonstrations under the guidance of Beat the Streets Wrestling. Drexel University’s mascot, Mario the Dragon, also made an appearance.

Prior to and following the remarks and presentation of the oversized check, students from Belmont Charter School, who participate in Mantua in Action, performed wrestling demonstrations under the guidance of Beat the Streets Wrestling. Drexel University’s mascot, Mario the Dragon, also made an appearance.

 For a full press release about the partnership, click here.

About the Aberdeen Charitable Foundation
Aberdeen recognizes our responsibility to make a positive impact in the communities in which we operate.  Last year marked a milestone in the Group’s philanthropic activities with the launch of the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation in March 2012. The aim of the Foundation is to expand and formalize charitable investment across the Group. The Foundation has two core focuses – emerging markets and local communities, reflecting our ambition to give back to those areas which are a key strategic focus of the business and to build on the established pattern of giving to communities in which Aberdeen employees live and work.  We seek partnerships with smaller charities where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and where employees can use their time and skills to support the selected projects. To date, the Foundation has supported 79 charities in 19 of our global office locations. For more information about Aberdeen, please visit www.aberdeen-asset.us.

About Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is the City department that is most engaged in the lives of residents and visitors alike on a daily basis. Through its programs, policies and physical amenities, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation promotes the well-being of the City, its citizens and visitors, by offering beautiful natural landscapes and parks, historically significant resources, high quality recreation centers and athletic programs, along with enriching cultural and environmental programs.