November 23, 2013

Message from CEO: Philadelphia FIGHT Celebrates 20+ Years of Saving Lives

November 23, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Philadelphia Fight for Life Gala Honoring Governor Ed Rendell

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This year, I'm proud to serve for the first time on the host committee for the Philadelphia FIGHT's 2013 FIGHT for Life Gala. On Wednesday, December 4, 2013 we celebrate over 20 years of the FIGHT to save lives and to honor Governor Ed Rendell. I invite you to join me at the Union League and help support FIGHT's important work.

Why is this important?
Not familiar with FIGHT?
Why should you give with all the great causes out there?
Why give NOW?

Good questions! While there are many life-saving and important causes in the city (including many I support), why I signed on is because FIGHT is quietly working behind the scenes, but is in fact the most comprehensive LARGEST HIV/AIDS service organization in our city. It serves ALL Philadelphians, gay, straight, questioning, black, white, latino, homeless, etc. While this is what first got me interested, what sealed the deal my visit to one of their very unique pilot programs, the Youth Health Empowerment Project "Empowerment Center." Homeless youth and young adults can access prevention services and support, take workshops, take showers, have a safe space during the day (and even some night/weekend hours), participate in activities, enjoy two stable and solid meals a day, get tokens, clothes - or simply relax in a safe space away from the rest of the world. I hope to host a free "friend" tour of this amazing space next year!

The other development that shows how FIGHT serves our community is the announcement of a Spanish-speaking HIV clinic to open on Dec. 11 at the North Philadelphia Prevention Point space. FIGHT is proud to open this new facility that is a first of its kind in the city. This hit the news on Thursday and is a top reason to support and give NOW! (For more about this, visit G Philly, WHYY Newsworks and Al Dia.)

FIGHT's other services include the AIDS Library, Project TEACH, Critical Path Project, HIV counseling and testing, computer labs and the Jonathan Lax Center. In the spring, I hope to host some friends on a tour of their facilities, including a stop in the Y-HEP Empowerment Center and the AIDS Library.

While I host many (MANY!) events during the year nearly all of them are free or very inexpensive. FIGHT is one of our hand-picked charities (besides City of Hope) - and this is one of the few times a year we ask you to give and donate out of your own pocket.

Please consider joining us at the event or consider a donation of any size. Auction items are also welcome!

For tickets, click here, call 215.525.0372 or email mmarsico@fight.org. If you want to hear more about FIGHT or take a sooner vs. later tour of FIGHT please let me know!

Thank you for considering, and we hope to eat, drink and BID on great auction items with you on December 4th. Happy Thanksgiving if I don't see you beforehand!

Best, Kory Aversa
CEO/ Aversa PR & Events

November 21, 2013

Workout for a Cause at Sweat During Fitness for Hope

November 21, 2013/ Kory Aversa

With the holiday season approaching, give yourself the gift of health and goodwill by stopping by Sweat Fitness this Sunday for 14th Annual Fitness for Hope. On Sunday, November 24, 2013, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, at the Queen Village Location (700 Passyunk Avenue), Sweat's best trainers will offer four special donation classes in spinning, wonder track, boxing and personal training. On top of getting your workout on, enter to win a raffle for a Breakaway Bike. Additionally, Santa can check off all the items on his gift list by purchasing a commemorative t-shirt, or winning some items in the silent auction. Donations of any size are accepted for this special event. Raise or donate $50 or more, and receive a gym bag valued at $50. Donation ribbons are also available to write the name of a loved one you want to remember or honor. For more information, visit www.sweatfitness.com or www.cityofhope.org, or call 215-627-5600.

November 20, 2013

Philly Free School and Nice Things Handmade Present Holiday Shopping at Superfantastic Craft Bazaar

November 20, 2013/ Kory Aversa

East Passyunk's Nice Things Handmade and The Philly Free School announce the first annual “Superfantastic Craft Bazaar” on Saturday, December 7, 2013, from 11:00am to 5:00pm, at 2001 Christian Street, Philadelphia. Over 35 local artisans and crafters will transform the school’s roller-skating rink into a holiday wonderland filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, sculpted jewelry, home décor, handmade paper, art prints, hand painted glassware, aeriums, apparel, stuffed toys and much more. Family fun will include face painting, caricatures, make-and-take ornaments, paint-your-own ceramics and free candy canes. Ultimo Coffee, Weckerly’s Ice Cream, Philly Free School and other vendors will provide hot beverages, seasonal treats and lunchtime snacks. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the programs of the Philly Free School, where kids rule (for real). For more show information, visit www.nicethingshandmade.com or www.phillyfreeschool.org, call (267) 455-0256 or follow @nicethingshandmade.

November 20, 2013

Be Merry (And Gay) On East Passyunk Avenue At Holiday QOTA LGBT Party

November 20, 2013/ Kory Aversa

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District invites you to come out for a merry and gay ole time at November's edition of the roving Queers on the Avenue (QOTA) party. QOTA Among the Trees takes over Urban Jungle (1526 East Passyunk Avenue) tomorrow night, on Thursday November 21, 2013, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Enjoy festive fun as you prance, mix and mingle among the spectacular holiday tree displays, still-green plants and festive decorations. Complimentary lite fare and drinks will include Pinnacle Vodka cocktails in fall flavors, Bai cocktails, beer, wine and samples of MANNA's Thanksgiving pies. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Please remember to dress warmly, as Urban Jungle will be selling x-mas trees and the front door will be open! Come out for a merry and gay ole time. For more information visit Facebook, Twitter or EPA's website.

East Passyunk Avenue LGBT Party QOTA Urban Jungle Holiday

November 08, 2013

Homemade Pies Debut and Thanksgiving Stuffing Waffle Return at Chhaya Cafe

November 08, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Chhaya Café, 1823 East Passyunk Avenue, is now serving tasty treats very dear to Chef Varnana Beuria — her fabulous pies. Once reserved only for guests in Chef Beuria’s home, these delicious pies with delicate crusts are now available at her café on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Stop in for pie, baked goods, desserts, coffee and other treats this holiday season.

November 06, 2013

New York Times Best Selling Author Josh Piven Presents World Premiere of Stage Comedy NO RESERVATIONS at Adrienne Theater

November 06, 2013/ Kory Aversa

New York Times best-selling humorist Josh Piven gives theater audiences a best-case scenario this holiday season with the World Premiere farce No Reservations. Piven trades the volcanoes, quicksand, and alligator wrestling for holiday survival among the mistletoe, scrapple, and paparazzi. Penned by the author of The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook and directed by Allison Heishman, the production runs November 26 through December 15, 2013 at Skybox @ The Adrienne Theater. The ensemble cast of Philadelphia favorites features Jared Michael Delaney, Wendy Staton, Brian McCann, Mary Beth Shrader, Colleen Corcoran and Brandon Pierce. Tickets are available now for $18 to $25 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/449685.

November 01, 2013

Weekend Top Events: Free Pizza, First Friday, Fantasy Hair and Flying Trapeze

November 01, 2013/ Kory Aversa

We're happy to say goodbye to all things spooky and haunted and welcome new fall events and menus during November. Enjoy these top weekend picks from our clients City of Hope, Fly School Circus Arts, Nick's Roast Beef in Old City, Sassafras, Serrano and SliCE. Don't miss FREE pizza, live music, fantasy hair, flying trapeze, salted caramel creme brulee and peanut butter beer.

October 31, 2013

Halloween Weekend: Salons Do Battle on Runway during City of Hope Fantasy Hair Competition

October 31, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Let the games begin! Watch as top salons from the tri-state area battle it out during the region's top Universal Warrior: Fantasy Hair Competition (formerly COH Hair Ball) on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at 8:00 PM, at Voyeur Nightclub (1225 St. James Place, Philadelphia, PA 19107). Salons will compete in seven different categories for top prizes valued over $5,000. Stylists will gather their "hair-raising" forces and prepare to enter the arena to compete head-to-head (literally) against the best coiffed warriors from all parts of history, time and space. Ten-dollar cover donation goes directly to City of Hope. For more information call 1-800-344-8169, email hgiordano@coh.org or visit www.hopecuts.org. All guests must be 21 years of age or older with identification.

October 16, 2013

Volunteers Wanted for Fall Activities on East Passyunk Avenue

October 16, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Help us haunt East Passyunk Avenue during Witch CRAFT Beer Crawl on Wednesday, October 23rd, and Fall Fest + Spooky Saturday on Saturday, October 26, 2013. Individuals, families and group volunteers are invited to help us give out candy and treats along our trick or treating routes. To sign-up, please visit our contact page and fill out information with your time slots, or email kory@aversapr.com. Times and opportunities are available when you click link below.

October 08, 2013

East Passyunk Doubles Fall Fun with Second Saturday and South Philly Fest

October 08, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Fall is a perfect time to shop, rock and stroll your way down East Passyunk Avenue. This weekend, double your fun with Second Saturday on Saturday, October 12, 2013 and South Philly Fest on Sunday, October 13, 2013. Second Saturday will feature a home tour, rack sales, sidewalk specials, art openings, kids’ costume swap, live music and complimentary fall treats. Hours vary by location. South Philly Fest by Lucky 13 Pub will take place from 12:00pm to 6:00pm outside of1820 S. 13th Street) featuring six bands, Sweet Jane Vintage, Kung Fu Hoagies, Little Baby’s Ice Cream and other vendors. Second Saturday and South Philly Fest are both free events with no admission charge. For full listing of activities, sales, tours and bands, click below.