The varsity jackets and corsages were on display for Party in the Yard on March 8, 2025, as guests embraced the homecoming theme and channeled their inner kings and queens—all in support of a great cause. We were thrilled to welcome 470 guests to Urban Outfitters, Inc. at the Navy Yard for an unforgettable night. And the best part? We raised an astounding $357,000 to support our mission of providing financial assistance to families in the Philadelphia region caring for a sick, injured, or disabled child—an all-time organizational record.

This year marked a milestone 20th anniversary for the organization. The new Fred’s Footsteps branding decorated the space, adding to the festive atmosphere. We were proud to partner with fellow nonprofit Musicopia, which brought the energy and excitement of a full marching band to the event. Also celebrating an anniversary, Musicopia has been providing equitable access to music programming for students and their communities in the Greater Philadelphia area for 50 years.

Guests enjoyed an evening filled with a raffle and both live and silent auctions. The delicious food, expertly prepared by URBN, and the one-of-a-kind cocktails (and mocktail) courtesy of 13th Street Cocktails added to the night’s vibrant energy. As the evening came to a close, attendees took home a Fred’s Footsteps lunch bag—a nostalgic touch to cap off the night.

A highlight of the evening was the presence of six Fred’s Footsteps families, who shared their stories through a moving video presentation. In the video, we invited alumni families from our program who have participated in previous videos or campaigns, to “come home” and join us for a video retrospective to reflect on that time in their lives and the transformative power of being part of the Fred’s Footsteps family. Check out the video here.

This year’s “family feature” was a wall of pennants, commemorating each year of the organization and every child we have helped over the past two decades. It served as a powerful reminder of the depth and breadth of our work—and why we continue to do what we do.

We were also honored to have Fox29’s Dr. Mike Cirigliano greet guests and kick off our program with enthusiasm and heart.

The evening was made possible by the unwavering support of our sponsors, whose commitment to our mission is truly commendable. Please check out the full roster on our event page.

To all who joined us, whether in person or from afar—thank you. Your support fuels our mission and empowers us to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we’re not just throwing a party—we’re building a community of compassion and support.

To relive the magic of the evening, be sure to check out the photos from the event here.

Until next time, a heartfelt thank you from all of us at Fred’s Footsteps!