PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 29, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Variety Club of Philadelphia announced yesterday that its Tree of Love, a holiday fundraising tree which illuminated the Blue Cross RiverRink on Festival Pier at Penn's Landing this holiday season, has raised more than $60,000 for the Delaware Valley's children with disabilities.
Based on the contribution level, a light (5 different colors depending upon donation) was lit in their name on the tree and also on an ornament with their name recognized on the miniature Tree of Love next to it. The Tree of Love Fundraiser, which replaced the Variety Club's original holiday appeal, hopes to be an annual tradition here in the Delaware Valley.
The Penn's Landing Corporation was proud to give the Tree of Love a home at the Blue Cross RiverRink throughout the holiday season, along with help from the I.B.E.W Local 98, and PECO, an Exelon Company. The Fairmount Park Commission donated the actual tree that was used for the Tree of Love campaign.
Variety Club's mission is to provide services and programs to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities. This is done through programs like summer residential and day camp at the Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center in Worcester, Montgomery County and also the Variety Club Direct Care for Kids medical equipment program. Variety Club also offers a Golf-Buddy Program, where kids are teamed up with local PGA Pros to learn the beloved sport of golf.