GCCA Celebrates 25 Years of the Progressive Dinner

It was a pleasure celebrating with you during the 25th Anniversary of the Garden Court Community Association Progressive Dinner on September 28, 2019. Over 100 neighbors, friends and family joined GCCA in the festivities. Our gracious hosts who opened their homes and businesses with international flare included: Frank Allegra (mouth-watering appetizers); State Representative James Roebuck (Vietnamese); Craig Carnaroli and Amie Thornton (Italian); Angela and Reginald Dowd-Burton (Ethiopian); Liz Campion and Larry Motyka (Moroccan); Susan Best and Fran Talarowski (Mexican); Carl Lewis at the 48th Street Grille (Caribbean); and the Garden Court Apartments/ Spruce Street Commons (delectable desserts).

During dessert, the GCCA Board took the opportunity to acknowledge all hosts and sponsors that have supported the Garden Court Progressive Dinner over the past 25 years. Those honored received commemorative anniversary candles and citations.

The purpose of the Progressive Dinner initially was to increase community engagement. In 2017 we established the Cheryl Roebuck Memorial Music Scholarship where we have directed much of the proceeds of the event.

During dessert, we were delighted to have two award recipients, Aviva Bock past concertmaster of Musicopia, and a member of Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, All City Orchestra, Center City Chamber Orchestra, and Central High Orchestra; as well as Oliver Young of Musicopia, and Girard Academic Music Program School, who gave a short recital expertly accompanied by David Shunskis. We thank their parents for allowing them to stay out late on a Saturday night.

We have been fortunate enough to have three dedicated Progressive Dinner Chairs over the past 25 years. Maria Luisa Delgado (Dinner Founder), Mary-Knight Young and Mary Allegra received silver keepsake boxes and deep appreciation for their contribution to GCCA. Frank Allegra accepted on Mary’s behalf.

Our 2019 business donors included Fresh on 47th Street, Reanimator Coffee, Spruce Street Commons, and 48th Street Grille.

While we beam with pride for our success in bringing so many of you together to enjoy our Community, we are even more grateful to have such welcoming neighbors and friends to share our lives on a daily basis.

Special thanks to the Garden Court Community Association Board Members and volunteers who gave of their time and talent to make the 25th Anniversary Progressive Dinner a success!