Hello Friends,
Last year, my calendar was packed for this week:
Monday - lunch on East Passyunk
Tuesday - rolling the dice at Parx Casino
Wednesday - sips at Uptown Beer Garden
Thursday - curtains up at Bristol Riverside Theatre
Friday - waterfront views at Morgan's Pier
Saturday - going "wild" at Philadelphia Zoo
Sunday - flying trapeze at Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
Today, instead, I put on my slippers, made coffee and went upstairs - by myself. I turned on the computer and started my day alone where I have been for eight weeks. Normally this time of year, I would be outside under blue skies with tens of thousands of people. This week, I will talk to my dog when he isn't taking a nap.
While I can't wait for life to return to normal, this is the time to be smart, be healthy, be supportive and be Philly Strong. In fact, it is the time to get even strong together as we enter the start of summer during these unprecedented times.
Small businesses like mine have lost tens of thousands of dollars. Retailers and restaurants have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Tourist attractions have lost millions of dollars. Millions of jobs have been lost. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost.
If we rush out there and don't do it in a safe and healthy way, all the sacrifices we have made this year (big and small) will be in vain. We also risk a second wave that could have us back home alone again before fall and the holidays.
Please join me in in pledging to stay Phillly Strong and Philly Smart - and support efforts to open up Philadelphia and Pennsylvania in a healthy, safe and smart way.
Support our clients who are open and are in process of re-opening. Wear your masks, learn about social distancing, and don't give up now. We made it this far - and no matter how hard it was, it is not the time to loosen up now as better days are ahead.
Best,
Kory Aversa
Aversa PR & Events
CEO/Founder