Pictured left to right: Dickie Noles, form Phillies player; Greg Deavens, IBX President and CEO; Mickey Morandini, former Phillies player; Milt Thompson, former Phillies player; Courtney McDade, IBX Director of Public Affairs; and Steve Fera, IBX EVP of Public Affairs and President of Government Markets
On July 24, the Phillies and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) teamed up to host a Christmas in July Toy Delivery and Summer Block Party at the Harrowgate Police Athletic League Center. The festivities were part of the official launch of Phillies and IBX Give Back, a year-long series of monthly volunteer and community engagement initiatives.
Phillies Broadcaster Tom McCarthy kicked off the fun and was followed on the program by IBX Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and President of Government Markets Steve Fera, Phillies Chief Revenue Officer Jackie Cuddeback, and Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
Phantaclause, the Phillie Phanatic dressed as Santa, made a surprise entrance to help distribute hundreds of toys to PAL kids, all donated by Phillies fans and Phillies and IBX employees. IBX President and CEO Greg Deavens and the IBX Blue Crew joined the Phanatic to help the children decide on the perfect gift. Other special guests assisting with toy distribution included:
- Phillies Ballgirls
- Phillies Managing Partner and CEO John Middleton
- PAL Executive Director Erica Vanstone
- Joe Ellerby from the Ford PAL Center
- 1993 National League champion Mickey Morandini
- 1993 National League champion and 2008 World Series champion coach Milt Thompson
- World Series champion Dickie Noles.
Attendees of the Summer Block Party were also treated to face painters, balloon artists, games, Phillies goodies, Philadelphia Water Ice, Richman’s Ice Cream, and a local food truck.
IBX is the Official Health Insurance Partner of the Phillies and the team’s first Official Jersey Patch sponsor.
