Christmas Village in Philadelphia Returns to LOVE Park for 2014 Holiday Season with Festive Sights, Sounds and Shopping

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The Christmas Village will again transform Philadelphia’s LOVE Park (15th and JFK Boulevard) into a traditional, open-air German Christmas Market, open daily between Thanksgiving and Sunday, December 28, 2014. Shop for high-quality, international and local gifts and decorations. Enjoy holiday sights and sounds with thousand of twinkling lights, the LOVE Park Christmas Tree, live music, children’s activities and photos with Santa Claus. Warm up with a glass of warm mulled wine or hot cocoa while enjoying European and American food and drink. Admission is free, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go. Spread the cheer by following @philachristmas on Twitter, liking Christmas Village on Facebook and visiting www.philachristmas.com.

Now in its seventh year, Christmas Village in Philadelphia has grown into one of the region’s most unique and charming holiday attractions. It expects to attract more than 550,000 people in 2014. Sixty-five international and local merchants and artists are busy preparing high-quality gifts that will be sold in decorated tents and wooden houses that will pop-up throughout Center City’s famous LOVE Park. With toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, homegoods, artwork and more, there will be something for everyone on Santa’s list.

For the second consecutive year, Christmas Village in Philadelphia is presented by an NRG company.

“NRG Home is once again proud to be the presenting sponsor of Christmas Village in Philadelphia, a growing tradition that brings the community together,” said Heather Farber, Managing Director, NRG Retail Northeast. “We look forward to connecting with consumers at Christmas Village, listening to what their energy needs are, and sharing how NRG Home can help power their holidays both at home and on the go.”

Follow the smell of gingerbread and waffles to a full menu of European food, sweets and drinks, including mouthwatering German bratwurst or schnitzel served on a warm roll (Brötchen). Look for new menu additions this year, including Döner Kebab (a German specialty featuring fresh meat shaved right off the rotisserie spit, placed in a warm pita pocket with tomato, onion, and our delicious homemade sauce). Wash it all down with a warm mug of traditional German Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) or rich hot chocolate.

On top of the great shopping and dining experiences, visitors will enjoy the glorious Christmas Tree in LOVE Park, a Wish Wall in conjunction with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a new kid’s zone on the weekends, theme days and weekends, tasting tours with Chaddsford Winery, live music during evenings and weekends, and other surprises to be announced.

The Christmas Village previews for two days on Thanksgiving Day (9:00am to 5:00pm) and Black Friday (11:00am to 7:00pm). Stop over after Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday, November 27 and beat the mall crowds on Black Friday, November 28, 2014.

Daily market hours starting Black Friday through the last Sunday in December will be Friday through Saturday 11:00am to 8:00pm, and Sunday through Thursday 11:00am to 7:00pm. Christmas Eve hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm (closed on Christmas Day).

The market will have a Grand Opening Ceremony on Saturday, November 29, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Invite your family and friends to come sing-a-long to holiday selections by local choirs, marching bands and other entertainers. Meet the original Christkind from Nuremberg after she officially opens the market by reciting her traditional prologue and rings in the official lighting ceremony of the Chritmas Village Fountain (not the tree), presented by NRG Home. Take photos with her as she does her traditional walk of the market. In Germany, she is the person that brings the Christmas gifts to the kids, and she won’t be coming to Philadelphia empty handed!

Vendor lists, food and drink menus, theme weekends, special event details and special promotions will be released in mid-November. Follow @philachristmas on Twitter, follow Christmas Village on Facebook and visit www.philachristmas.com for more information.

ABOUT NRG HOME

NRG Home empowers residential energy customers with a new way to think about, buy and use energy. Innovative, exclusive energy products give customers unprecedented choice and control through customized electricity plans with unique rewards and access to emerging energy technology solutions. NRG Home is part of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 company that serves almost three million retail customers across the country. NRG Energy creates value through reliable and efficient conventional power generation, while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions.

Fox 29's Mike Jerrick Announces 24 Restaurants/Chefs for the First Ya Gotta Try This Tasting Party for Second Chance Foundation

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Fox 29's Mike Jerrick Announces 24 Restaurants/Chefs for the First Ya Gotta Try This Tasting Party for Second Chance Foundation

The Second Chance Foundation, along with sponsor SugarHouse Casino, will present the first Ya Gotta Try This Tasting Party, on Thursday, October 2, 2014, at Independence Visitor Center (6th and Market), starting at 6:30pm. Fox 29’s Mike Jerrick and District Attorney R. Seth Williams will host an evening filled with must-try dishes and drinks from 24 local bars, restaurants and eateries, including Noord, Palladino’s, Rouge, Cuba Libre Restaurant Rum Bar, Geechee Girl Rice Cafe, Verdad, Kitchen Consigliere Cafe, Circles and others. Bru Craft and Wurst, U-Bahn and Yards Brewing Company will sample free beer. Southern Wine & Spirits will sponsor the complimentary open bar. Festivities will include music and dancing, silent auction, prizes and much more. Tickets are on sale now for only $50 general admission and $100 for VIP at www.yagottatrythis.com. For more about the beneficiary, please visit www.secondchancephiladelphia.org.

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Aversa PR Seeks a Philadelphia PR and Social Media Assistant for East Passyunk Office

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Aversa PR & Events seeks an ultra organized, creative and driven multi-tasker to assist with 10+ client accounts that cover arts, neighborhoods, restaurants, theater, entertainment and events. Position is approximately 25-35 hours a week, with potential for growth in hours and rate. 

We work with small business owners, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders that expect the best from us - including smart and creative results, on a budget, in a timely manner, with measurable results. We're seeking a proven professional with some or all off the following skills: Event administrative experience, day of event staffing and coordination (25% of position) Social media account management and strategy (25% of position) Public relations research, writing, pitching (25% of position) Office assistance, intern management, photo shoots, meetings and planning (25% of position).

Successful candidates will exhibit attention to detail, be excellent communicators, work well under pressure, have a sense of humor, be a team player, pitch in for overall agency activities and be able to generate award-winning messaging on the fly. Experience in managing social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) preferred.  This is a position ideal for someone with 1-3 years experience in PR and social media management. Dependable transportation at all times is a must as clients require store visits, photo shoots, meetings and event support. Office-based position in South Philadelphia. Please submit a formal cover letter, resume and list of social media samples/handles to hr@aversapr.com. Applications will be considered incomplete without all three elements. No phone calls please. If you have applied in the past feel free to apply again for this new position. For more information about us and our company, visit www.aversapr.com or follow us on Twitter at @koryaversa @aversapr @phillylovesfun

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia - Public Relations Round Up of Photos and Headlines

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Fox 29's Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley, Photo by Al B For 

Fox 29's Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley, Photo by Al B For 

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia dazzled the city by popping up on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the secret location revealed to be the Avenue of the Arts.  This year, it was a sea of white as far as the eye could see as 3,500 guests decked out in the hottest white fashions filled Broad Street from Pine and Chestnut Streets.  Aversa PR and Events was proud to again be the official public relations company for the local installment of this pop-up picnic, viral movement and global phenomenon.  

Special thanks to co-hosts Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran for including us in one of the city's most memorable events. Their attention to detail, grand vision and love for our city produced an event that will never be forgotten. Congratulations also go out to the 100 volunteers that worked hard to ensure a picture perfect evening.  Finally, special thanks to our entire PR team for 2014, including Lauryn Resotka, Gabbi Townsend, Eri Washington and Dash Sears.  

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Indeed they do when it comes to a truly viral event! This year, thousands of gorgeous photos popped up around the globe on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instragram, Google+ and other platforms.  Search for the official hashtag #DEBPHL14 as well as #dinerenblanc and #debphl. Thanks to our sister cities around the globe for sharing our images and all of your support!

For a recap of our favorite photos from the night, visit our official album below featuring breathtaking shots from Johanna Austin, Hughe Dillon, Charles Mosteller, Alessandra Nicole, Inna Race, Patrick Hagerty, and our staff photographers.   

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Now in its third year, Diner en Blanc Philadelphia continued to garner interest locally, nationally and internationally. Stories started to go viral 24 hours in advance of the event, and the event trended in Philadelphia for up to 48 hours. Over 100 news stories and mentions included 35 radio and television spots that reached millions of viewers and listeners. Print and online reach nearly doubled that of the year prior, with additional stories to come as we enter September. 

For highlights of photo albums, visit the following: 

Special shout-out to Hugh Dillon from Philly Chit Chat for beautiful photos and great recap of the night's festivities: 

  • Philly Chit Chat - Did I Shoot You? My Diner en Blanc Links and a Few More Photos to Enjoy 

Other highlights include the following - please let us know if we missed your favorite. Post any additional stories in the comments for our review. 

Leading up to the big day, Diner en Blanc Philadelphia dropped by local television studios for a special preview of the magic. Visit below for our favorite shots from the shoots on Fox 29's Good Day Philadelphia and CBS Philly. 

The final destination wasn't the only surprise this year! Co-hosts tapped local talent to design one-of-a-kind fashions for a one-of-a-kind evening.  Check out shots from the initial design consultation and subsequent fittings with Project Runway winner Dom Streater. 

Stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter as the co-hosts roll out the official video for Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, along with time lapse footage, photo booth montages, photo albums and more.  Stay tuned in coming weeks! Until next year, merci and au revoir! 

Clean Air Council 9th Annual Greenfest Philly Returns to Headhouse Square with Music, Food, Eco Shopping, More

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Clean Air Council 9th Annual Greenfest Philly Returns to Headhouse Square with Music, Food, Eco Shopping, More

Clean Air Council’s 9th Annual Greenfest Philly returns to Headhouse Square (2nd and South Streets) on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The tri-state region’s largest environmental festival is bigger than ever with live music, free demos, an outdoor beer garden, organic food and drinks, handmade and green shopping, MOM’s Organic Market Kids’ Corner, a twenty-five foot rock wall, and even edible bugs. Admission is free. Festival “Green Cards” are also on sale at www.greenfestphilly.org for $30 that includes food and drink discounts, a free t-shirt, and eco-friendly swag. For more information, visit the website, call 215-567-4004, and follow @greenfestphilly on Twitter.

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Contest: Win Tickets to SOLD OUT Diner en Blanc Philadelphia

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Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Philadelphia's best kept secret will soon be told. We want you to be there for the surprise!  Enter to win registration for two to the sold-out Diner en Blanc Philadelphia. 

After months of viral buzz,  Diner en Blanc will pop-up in Philadelphia on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at a location revealed only minutes before.  Join 3,500 other guests dressed in white for a fairytale evening of food, fashion, dancing, music and magic.  This once-in-a-lifetime event annually celebrates dinner as an artform as guests dine in a unique, unexpected and re-purposed public space.

Aversa PR, the official public relations firm for Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, presents a final chance to win free access for this très chic picnic and Best of Philly winner.  Click here to enter and you could win free registration for two people. All contestants agree by entering that they will abide by the rules and guidelines of Diner en Blanc Philadelphia. All guests must wear white to the event, and bring their own table, chairs, china and food.  

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

One winner will be selected by 5:00pm this Friday, August 15, 2014.  The winner will be notified directly and has 24 hours to confirm by email, or an alternate winner will be selected. Once the winner has confirmed, they will be sent the free code for a registration. It is the responsibility of the winner to register themselves using the code.

Entering is simple. Please visit our contact page and fill out your contact information.  Good luck and merci beaucoup! 

Bonus: Not familiar with Diner en Blanc? Get a special preview as @koryaversa @debphl @aversapr Tweet live on Thursday night (August 14, 2014) as we head to Montreal for their grand evening! 

Call for Nominations: Philadelphia magazine and Independence Blue Cross Seek 2014 Be Well Philly Health Hero

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Call for Nominations: Philadelphia magazine and Independence Blue Cross Seek 2014 Be Well Philly Health Hero

Philadelphia magazine and Independence Blue Cross seek nominations for the Be Well Philly 2014 Health Hero Challenge. The contest honors a champion of health and wellness who inspires others to make strides for healthier lives. The free nominating process is open to the public on Be Well Philly’s Facebook page. The winner will receive a $3,000 donation to the charity of his or her choice, a magazine feature and an award at the Health Hero Celebration. For more information, visit Phillymag.com/HealthHero and click to read the full story below. 

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Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Announces Date for 2014 Pop-Up Picnic

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From global phenomenon to highly sought-after “secret,” Dîner en Blanc returns to Philadelphia this summer for an unforgettable evening of elegance, beauty and magic. On Thursday, August 21, 2014, 3,400 guests will celebrate and re-purpose a highly-visible public space by enjoying a night filled with food, wine, fashion, culture and music.  This très chic picnic, now celebrating its 26th year internationally, is part mystery tour, part pop-up feast and part je ne sais quoi.  

The wait list to secure an official invitation is now open at philadelphia.dînerenblanc.info. As of today, 5,000+ new individuals have added their name to the wait list. The total number of interested parties for the 2014 event grows to 16,000+ people when you add past attendees and those that signed up for the wait list prior to May.

Adding your name to the wait list does not guarantee a spot to Dîner Blanc Philadelphia. It does ensure that wait list members will be notified when slots for the event go on sale in mid-July. Each invitation includes registration for two people. Past registered members of Dîner en Blanc do not have to add their name to the wait list, as they will automatically receive notice of registration going on sale. 

For more information, follow Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia on Facebook and on Twitter (@debphl).
 

 

BEN FM Nominates Aversa PR CEO Kory Aversa as "Queen of the Scene" Award

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Congrats to our CEO Kory Aversa on being nominated by Marilyn Russell and Ben FM for the "97.5 Ben FM Queen of the Scene Award." The award is designed to honor those that connect people around Philadelphia, always know what resources to utilize for every occasion, the right people to bring to the boardroom and the dinner table, and look fabulous throughout every negotiation. If you agree, please visit the Ben FM website and show your support (VOTE), plus check out this amazing program that includes so many talented folks from around the region. 

Aversa PR and our clients will be represented at the award ceremony with Katie Couric in mid-April, plus donating some great items to Katie's charity of choice, Jay Monahan Center. 

If you are attending the luncheon, please drop us a line or come up and say hello. We'd love to meet you. If you want to donate an item to the event, drop us an email and we can connect you with organizers!

Thank you so much to our friends at BEN FM and especially to Marilyn Russell, the TRUE Queen of the Scene. 

East Passyunk Hosts Top Chef Finale Tweeting Party for Chef Nicholas Elmi from Laurel

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Photo courtesy of Bravo 

Photo courtesy of Bravo 

Show your ‘Passyunk Pride’ during tonight’s season finale of Top Chef Season 11 featuring Chef Nicholas Elmi from newly opened Laurel (1617 EPA). From 9:00pm to 11:30pm (showtime 10:00pm), East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) will host a Twitter party. Stay in during the cold and ice, and join the fun by including @epassyunkave and #passyunk4elmi in your tweets. One Tweeter will win two tickets to sample Laurel’s delicious cuisine during Chef Elmi’s debut at Flavors of the Avenue on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Chef Elmi will be joined by over 20 of his East Passyunk’s colleagues by serving up signature dishes at  South Philadelphia’s largest outdoor food and drink festival. Make sure to save the date for this event that sold out in 2013. Stay tuned for big surprises coming for 2014. Two alternative winners will receive a free limited edition, locally made East Passyunk tote bag. 

Whether you're on Twitter or not, make sure to tune into Bravo at 10:00pm to watch live as we surely won't be able to contain the spoilers on this one! 

Flavors of the Avenue Announced for Saturday April 26, 2014

Flavors of the Avenue Announced for Saturday April 26, 2014

Want even more from our nationally-loved East Passyunk stars? Visit and interact with our newly launched Pinterest board featuring Chef Elmi, the Super Bowl Gecko, Alicia DiMichele (Addiction Boutique) from this season of VH1 Mob Wives and more.

For more about Chef Elmi and Laurel follow @nicholaselmi @laurelepx on Twitter and visit www.restaurantlaurel.com. For More info about Flavors of the Avenue, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com or call 215-336-1455.