19th Annual Be A Hero Benefit & Celebration
We are so excited for our 19th annual Be A Hero Benefit & Celebration on Thursday, May 15th, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm.
Please check back soon to purchase tickets and check out our awesome auction items!
Be one of our Heroes by becoming a sponsor today!
Early sponsors include:
Trailblazer:
Michael Kelly & Joan Mazzotti
Game Changer:
Barbara Binis
Marc Siebert & Alan Schwartz
The Siebert-Thal Family
Thal Federation Gift
Advocate:
Cindy Harris
Marian & Larry Pearlman
PHL Sports
SAK Associates, Inc.
Ulrike Schunk & Phil Zuzelo
2025 Jay Barry Harris Heroes of the Year
Diane Richardson, coach of Temple University Women’s Basketball team, has created a path to success and legacy of giving back that is groundbreaking and inspiring. As the second in her family to graduate high school and the first to graduate college (as a multistar athlete and then Olympian) Diane earned her masters in finance and accounting, started her own investment firm, and began giving back through coaching.
Coach is one of 50 chosen leaders in Heroes, Leaders and Legends, a book co-written by Oprah Winfrey that shares stories of the most influential mentors in history.
Laura Bender Koropey is the kind of giver every nonprofit or organization dreams of having. After working as a CPA for both large and medium size accounting firms for 20 years, Lauri opened her own practice on the Main Line 25 years ago. Taught by her father, Lauri believes that she has a responsibility to give back, which she has done tirelessly for Team Up Philly and as the former treasurer of the Governing Board of the Philadelphia Orchestra Volunteers Committee as well as the former treasurer of the Women’s Division of Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
Lauri is a true “everyday hero”.
Jay Barry Harris Hero of the Year
Jay Harris was a man of impeccable integrity who devoted his time and talents to many causes, including Team Up Philly. As a board member, he brought his wisdom, guidance, and wit to our mission. In his quest to make a difference in his professional life, Jay focused on concussions occurring in NFL players and claims arising from the fracking industry. Jay’s selfless sense of citizenship, belief that it was his responsibility to share his gifts, and his commitment to making the world a better place, led us to name this annual award in his memory and honor.
Previous Honorees of the Jay Barry Harris Hero of the Year Award
2024: Nikki Franke
2023: Lurline Jones and Susan Thal
2022:
2021:
2020:
2019: Ann Koger
2018: David M. Felson
2017: Lynn H. Yeakel
2016: Joan C. Mazzotti
2015: Marsha Levick, Esquire
Event One
Be a Hero Benefit & Celebration, featuring cocktails, dinner and a lively auction, will be held on Thursday, May 15th at Merion Tribute House. This event raises funds to ensure girls have excellent programming at no cost.