“This year marks our 50th year of providing scholarships to deserving students of the Philadelphia area since our founding 69 years ago. The Philadelphia Club of Frontiers International is a dedicated group of individuals committed to community service. Because of the downturn in the economy, this year has been difficult in finding the funding needed to provide the activities to the deserving youth of our community,” said the club’s president Dr. Gregory Stephens. The occasion was the club’s signature fundraising event held on Sunday at the PECO Energy Hall.

In addition to raising money for scholarships at annual fundraisers, Frontiers honors three distinguished business, civic and political leaders at this event each year. Distingushed 2011 Philadelphia Club Frontiers International Charles Crumbley Sr. Award recipients were Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, CEO of The American Red Cross in Philadelphia; Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell and Kenneth Scott, CEO, Beech Interplex. These outstanding leaders have donated and/or raised millions of dollars along with awareness for community and civic groups in the city of Philadelphia and Delaware Valley. Judge John Braxton was this year’s dynamic keynote speaker.

Hughes remarked, “It is an honor to be recognized by The Frontiers. This organizations epitomizes the the trusium, ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’ The Frontiers give so much to our community individually and as an organization. I am humbled to receive this award and will continue to strive to be worthy of this honor.”

Councilwoman Blackwell shared, “The Frontiers are committed leaders in our city and have been for more years than I can remember. Their dedication and commitment to serving youth and providing scholarships is well known and I am proud to be among this year’s recipients.”

During our conversation Blackwell also took the time to reflect upon the recent passing of boxing great, Joe Frazier. “Joe Frazier is a Philadelphia icon and he will always be remebered for helping to take us not only on the national, but international, scene in the sport of boxing,” she said. Blackwell added that she would be among those attending funeral services for Frazier.

Warren English has been a member of The Philadelphia Frontiers Club for 14 years and serves as 2011 second vice president. He has chaired the scholarship committee with amazing energy and enjoys mentoring young people. He describes himself as not being a “typical club joiner, but felt tremendous fulfillment in joining The Frontiers Club because their mission of community service is so vital.”

Judge John Braxton, a senior judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County and member of the Pennsylvania Bar for more than 40 years, was eloquent and reminiscent of the values we all cherish which make us friends and neighbors. He spoke  of being raised in West Philadelphia in the shadow of Father Thomas Logan Sr., Philadelphia Frontiers Club chaplain, and recognizing the importance of having a sense of worth. Braxton acknowleged being a person who has benefited from being educated entirely in public institutions in our area, including Penn State University, and the good work of The Frontiers. “The Frontiers have the capacity to bring change because they have a process by which they: 1. Recognize the problem. 2. Believe that they can solve the problem, and 3. Have the will to keep working until they see change,” Braxton concluded.

Since 1960, the group has raised over $500,000 to benefit area youth who wish to further their education at four-year colleges or universities. The 2011 sholarship recipients included: Donald Hunt, Martis Black, Samuel R. Ellison, Victoria Elliot, Amber Anita-Lavonne Allen, Jasmine M. Ellis, Samantha Golay and Cynthia West.

Established in 1942, the Philadelphia Club is the second oldest and largest affiliate of Frontiers International. The Club has supported numerous programs including hypertension treatment/research, sickle cell research, scholarships, aid to the homeless, health fairs, career fairs and business workshops. 

The mission of the Philadelphia Club of Frontiers International, Inc. is primarily to serve children and youth of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. The membership includes individuals from all segments of our community, including professional, business, faith-based, political, educational and civic leaders.