Foundation Announces Philadelphia Hall of Fame Update

The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation is pleased to announce several upcoming events as it continues to establish a Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate the Philadelphia region's rich sports history.

On September 8, the Foundation, known as the Philadelphia Hall of Fame, will announce its Charter Class of Inductees. For induction, a Founders Committee is currently considering sports icons such as Wilt Chamberlain, Mike Schmidt, Joe Frazier, Chuck Bednarik, Bobby Clarke and Julius Erving among others. For a final list, visit http://www.phillyhof.org/nominees>www.phillyhof.org/nominees.

The Class of 2003, the Hall of Fame's inaugural class, will be selected from this final list of nominees. These names, forever known as Charter Inductees will be written into the Foundation's bylaws as part of its permanent record. They will be selected by the Founders Committee with input from the Foundation's Advisory Panel of local sports figures and other advocates.

Also on September 8, the Foundation will unveil a mobile kiosk to establish a physical presence and to promote the Philadelphia Hall of Fame. The kiosk will be the first step toward establishing the Hall of Fame as a real staple of Philadelphia sports. Details on the location for unveiling the kiosk will be released next month.

"We are excited to enter into this next stage of establishing a Philadelphia Hall of Fame to recognize the significant contributions of athletes, teams and events that have graced our city. All of us feel the bond a special athlete, team or event can create with the community," explained Michael Schmidt, Vice President of the Foundation. "As the Philadelphia Hall of Fame grows into a reality, these next steps will help pave the way for success."

Later in October, the Foundation will conclude its search and select an independent third party administrator to manage its scholarship program. An important part of the Foundation's mission is its community programs to celebrate our sports history with the city's youth.

A scholarship program is a major part of this effort. With an eye toward awarding its first scholarships in September 2004, fundraising efforts will begin in earnest this fall as well. These efforts include annual fundraising events, a membership drive, individual donations and corporate sponsorships.

For more information, contact Ken Avallon (ken.avallon@phillyhof.org), Michael Schmidt (michael.schmidt@phillyhof.org) or Bob Cassidy (robert.cassidy@phillyhof.org) of the Philadelphia Hall of Fame at 215.886.6657.

The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation is a registered non profit organization with 501 (c) (3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. Formed in 2002, it is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Organizations, the Maxwell Club, the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums and the International Association of Sports Museums and Halls of Fame.