The Philly pride was unmistakable from the moment guests arrived. From the appetizers to the décor, to the real-life “golden” statues of Rocky and Benjamin Franklin who greeted attendees, this year’s theme was on full display. Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere complete with appearances from Philadelphia Eagles mascot, Swoop and a green screen photo booth transporting guests to the parkway. The glowing balloon-and-letter marquee display quickly became one of the night’s most popular photo opps (Thank you Charming Garlands)! And 13th Street Cocktail Catering outdid themselves with a custom Philly-inspired bar setup complete with steaming manhole cover branded with the Fred’s logo.
But beyond the celebration, the heart of the evening remained the mission.
Since its founding in 2005, Fred’s Footsteps has worked to ensure that a child’s health is a parent’s only worry, providing financial relief to working families navigating the unimaginable challenges of caring for a medically complex child. The organization serves families across Philadelphia and 18 surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
The evening featured a spirited live auction led by auctioneer Jeff Hammond, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as a private chef’s table dinner at Osteria, an Eagles training camp VIP experience, and a luxury Phillies suite outing. Guests also rallied during the paddle raise to fund critical needs like wheelchair-accessible vans, home accessibility projects, and essential household expenses for families facing medical hardship. From placing bids in the silent auction to purchasing raffle tickets and raising paddles in support, every act of participation throughout the evening helped make a meaningful difference for the families Fred’s Footsteps serves.
Party in the Yard was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, including Presenting “Liberty Bell” Sponsor, Vynamic, along with “Love Park” Sponsor, Independence Blue Cross, and many other community partners who continue to champion Fred’s Footsteps’ mission. Funds raised during the event will directly support the organization’s work in the year ahead – helping families remain present with their children during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Did you know that Philadelphia is consistently ranked among the top U.S. cities for mural arts? Often referred to as the “Mural Capital of the World,” the city is home to thousands of murals and the renowned Mural Arts Philadelphia program. This year’s Party in the Yard paid homage to that artistic legacy with a special installation of murals featuring Fred’s Footsteps families, created by our partners at Haeg Design. Several of the families highlighted in the artwork were in attendance, making the display an especially meaningful tribute.
Speaking of families, guests were also treated to a moving video update from an alumni family of the organization, Rachel, Arthur, and Vivian. From the days they spent navigating life-saving care to the joyful progress Vivian is making today, their story shows how Fred’s Footsteps support gave their family stability when they needed it most. Watch the video here to see how that foundation created a ripple effect, empowering them to open their hearts and home to other medically complex children. Thank you to our video production partners at JTwo.
As the evening came to a close with music, dancing, and desserts, one thing was clear: the Philadelphia community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for families who need it most.
How’d you look? Check out the PHOTO ALBUM here!
