Verizon Wireless’ Annual “Packs for Pride” Initiative Spreads Cheer to Local Children Affected By Domestic Violence & Those Impacted By Hurricane Sandy

On Tuesday, December 11, Verizon Wireless Philadelphia Tri-State Region employees donated more than 1,200 backpacks filled with warm winter clothes, personal care items, and toys for children of families affected by domestic violence, as well as Hurricane Sandy. The employee-driven initiative is part of the annual “Packs for Pride” program, made possible through the company’s HopeLine program.

This year’s “Packs for Pride” ceremony featured 11 local organizations at the Verizon Wireless store at the Reading Terminal Headhouse in Philadelphia. Organization representatives gathered with Verizon Wireless Philadelphia Tri-State Region President Mario Turco, Philadelphia Eagles’ Swoop, and Santa Claus to show support for victims of domestic violence and Hurricane Sandy.

Over the past 13 years, more than 7,000 backpacks and thousands of dollars worth of items have been donated through “Packs for Pride.” This year’s participating organizations, including The Salvation Army New Jersey and Congreso will distribute the packs to children in need throughout the region this holiday season.

To find out more about Hopeline and how you can contribute visit: http://aboutus.verizonwireless.com/communityservice/hopeLine.html

Aliah Davis’ “Dia De Tus Suenos” With Chef Jose Garces

On Friday, Nov. 9, Aliah Davis of Washington, N.J., had the day of her dreams realized by Verizon Wireless as the winner of our Dia de tus Suenos sweepstakes that was held in October as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Davis’ prize was spending a day with celebrity chef Jose Garces, known for his appearances on “Iron Chef America” and for his 15 award winning restaurants.

Davis’ dream day experience began at the Verizon Wireless store at 11^th and Market Street in Philadelphia, where she and her husband, met Garces for the firsttime. Here, they spent some time talking about the contest, family, food, and more, before Garces presented Davis’ with a check for $1,000 and a Samsung Galaxy 7.7 tablet she could use to document her day.

Garces and Davis then headed to one of Garces’ Philadelphia restaurants, JG Domestic. Upon arrival, Garces showed Davis his office and gave her a behind-the-scenes look at some of his current projects, favorite cookbooks and a private tour of the restaurant, ending in the kitchen where they spent the next hour preparing two of Garces’ signature dishes: Ecaudorian-style shrimp ceviche and a chicken and rice dish. Along the way, Garces gave Davis pointers and shared some of his own cooking secrets. The end result was a meal Davis was able to enjoy with her husband, and an unforgettable experience Davis said she won’t stop talking about anytime soon. 

Verizon Wireless Makes “Dia De Tus Suenos” A Reality In Philadelphia For Fan Of Chef Jose Garces

Congratulations to Aliah Davis of Washington, N.J. for winning our Dia de tus Suenos or Day of Your Dreams sweepstakes held during October in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Today, Davis will be spending the day with acclaimed Chef Jose Garces, a Philadelphia restaurateur and star of “Iron Chef America” on the Food Network.

Her day will begin at the Verizon Wireless store at 11th and Market Street in Philadelphia, where Garces will sign copies of his new book, “The Latin Road Home,” for fans, and Davis will be presented with a check for $1,000 and a Verizon Wireless 4G LTE tablet. Davis will also accompany Garces on a private tour of his restaurant J.G. Domestic at 2929 Arch Street, followed by a cooking lesson and dinner!

Verizon Wireless gives a platform to everybody to share their personal stories, and encourages the community to celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic population to our nation’s culture. For more information about the Day of Your Dreams contest, visit www.verizoninsider.com/dreamday.