Published on December 14th, 2022 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

REFORM Alliance, Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia 76ers Host Families for Holiday Giveback Event

REFORM Alliance, Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Eagles came together to bring forth a special, once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience for more than 30 children in the PA/NJ area who have been negatively impacted by the criminal justice system (those who have a parent in prison for technical probation violations, have a parent who has been incarcerated for technical probation violations or had their probation extended due to a technical probation violation).

The afternoon kicked off with the first-ever “Eagle for a Day” experience. Inside the NovaCare Complex, attending children and families were greeted by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin alongside fellow REFORM co-chair and award-winning musician Meek Mill who gifted the guests special Eagles merchandise and bags to wear during their participation in a Jr. Combine experience. Inside the NovaCare Complex indoor practice facility, kids heard from head coach Nick Sirianni, threw passes with Meek, and sprinted a 40-yard dash alongside Philadelphia Eagles players including Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Jordan Mailata, and Dallas Goedert. The children also received an exclusive VIP tour of the facility which concluded with a Free Agent ceremony in which each individual child signed their very own one-day contract with the Eagles complete with the gifting of a special team jersey. The “Eagle for a Day” experience concluded in the facility auditorium with Eagles Eagles Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman’s welcoming of the 12/13/22 free agent class and a special address by Michael Rubin, Meek Mill, and quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Photo Credit: Alex Subers for Fanatics

Following, participating families made their way to the Wells Fargo Center for the “76ers VIP Gameday experience” where the kids had the opportunity to take part in an intimate Q&A with 76ers head coach Doc Rivers. Shortly after, guests arrived at their VIP suites for dinner where they were surprised with an incredible holiday fit package equipped with custom Sixers jerseys and Fanatics gear. Right before tip-off, all children made their way to the court to participate in a special pre-game bell ringing ceremony alongside Michael and Meek. Guest families were able to enjoy the Philadelphia Sixers vs. Sacramento Kings matchup both from their VIP suite boxes and courtside seats. The kids provided the halftime entertainment with a scrimmage on the court.

Photo Credit Shareif Ziyadat for REFORM

The evening’s guests were brought together by REFORM Alliance’s nonprofit partners Above All Odds/Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, the Center For Family Services, and the PA Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

More About REFORM:

The nonprofit organization was founded in the wake of the #FreeMeek movement by award-winning recording artist Meek Mill; Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin; Arnold Ventures co-founder Laura Arnold; entrepreneur and business mogul Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter; CNN host and activist Van Jones; Kraft Group CEO and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft; Galaxy Digital CEO and founder Michael E. Novogratz; Vista Equity Partners founder, chairman, CEO Robert F. Smith; Brooklyn Nets owner, BSE Vice Chair, and philanthropist Clara Wu Tsai; and in October 2021, philanthropist, pediatrician, and criminal justice reform advocate Dr. Priscilla Chan joined the organization’s Board of Directors. Veteran criminal justice advocate Robert Rooks leads the organization as CEO.

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Tags: Above All Odds/Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, Avonte Maddox, Center For Family Services, community service, corporate citizenship, Dallas Goedert, Darius Slay, Doc Rivers, Happenings, Howie Roseman, Inc., Jalen Hurts, Jordan Mailata, Meek Mill, Michael Rubin, Nick Sirianni, PA Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Eagles, REFORM alliance

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.