The Welcoming Center to Honor Three Philadelphia-Based Groups Founded by Immigrants at the 2022 Solas Awards, Announces $50,000 Match Challenge
Highlighting the role immigrants in Philadelphia play in making our region more inclusive to all
April 7, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA – The Welcoming Center (TWC) will be holding its annual fundraising event, the 2022 Solas Awards, on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Cherry Street Pier. Funds raised through the event benefit TWC’s core programs that provide critical support to immigrants and refugees in the region.
Cherry Street Pier, a large indoor/outdoor venue, was chosen to bring Philadelphia’s growing diverse community together safely. The evening will feature a “block party” atmosphere and will include TWC’s Global Craft Market vendors, interactive exhibits, food trucks, and opportunities for networking.
2022 Solas Awards Honorees
TWC’s mission is to promote inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. Every year at the Solas Awards, TWC shines a light on the contributions individuals have been making in the Philadelphia region. At Solas 2022, TWC will be honoring three exceptional groups with the Solas Award for their tireless work in addressing issues faced by immigrants and refugees during the pandemic. All three groups are founded and led by immigrants who have participated in TWC’s programming. They are:
“As the Philadelphia region continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we find new ways to expand opportunities for our diverse immigrant and refugee population to participate in the life and growth of the city,” said Peter Gonzales, president and CEO of The Welcoming Center. “Our 2022 Solas Awards honorees exemplify immigrant leadership, the power of the collective, and the dedication to making Philadelphia more inclusive to all.”
$50,000 Match Challenge
TWC is also thrilled to announce that Hao-Li Tai Loh (TWC board chair) and Evan Loh have pledged a $50,000 sponsorship and an additional $50,000 match challenge for Solas 2022. The match will apply to all new sponsorships and donations and any increased sponsorships and donations from last year.
Additional major Solas 2022 sponsors include: Citizens Bank, Independence Blue Cross, John Chou and Teresa Wallace, Knight Foundation, Shirin and Rudy Karsan, Weinberg Foundation, Comcast, Nina Chen and Eric Langenmayr, Philadelphia Foundation, Song Li, Alex Costabile and Susan Dando, AmeriHealth Caritas, Bob and Pat Aglira, Boston Consulting Group, E. Rhoda Shaten Charitable Foundation, Exude, John Touey and Jin Hee Cho, Kenneth and Sharon Kind, Klasko Immigration Law, Santander, University of Pennsylvania, Wawa, and WES Global Talent Bridge.
Tickets for Solas 2022 are free, but donations are encouraged. To support the immigrant community through The Welcoming Center or for more information about the event, go to welcomingcenter.org/solas.
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About The Welcoming Center: The Welcoming Center (TWC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that promotes inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. Founded in 2003, TWC works to open doors of economic opportunity for immigrants of all education and skill levels and build immigrants’ individual and collective agency to address barriers to integration and wellbeing. TWC collaborates with its participants, a broad spectrum of organizations, and public and private sector institutions to advance learning, shape policy, and grow the economy.
Contact:
Lina Duffy
lina@welcomingcenter.org
215-825-7770