Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin and his Make The World Better Foundation are teaming up to host a benefit concert for the third year in a row. Barwin raised $170,000 in 2014 towards the Ralph Brooks park revitalization project. Last year, Barwin raised $300,000 towards revitalizing Smith Playground. This year the money will go towards supporting the revitalization of a third Philadelphia playground.
As always, I definitely recommend going and supporting the event. Shamus Clancy, friend of BGN, went to Barwin's concert last year and wrote about how it was a good time for a great cause.
Lineup for Friday, June 3:
5:30 to 7:30 pm – Sponsor BBQ w/ Marc Vetri & Kevin Sbraga, musicians, Barwin and Eagles teammates
7:30 pm – Doors open
8:15 pm – Special Guest
9:00 pm – Waxahatchee
10:00 pm – Hop AlongRecognized as one of the most highly-anticipated events of the summer, Connor Barwin and his Make The World Better Foundation (MTWB) will host their third annual Benefit Concert on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden Street). Philly’s own Hop Along and Alabama transplant, Waxahatchee, will take the stage, while renowned chefs Marc Vetri and Kevin Sbraga will host an exclusive barbecue for guests. The benefit concert will also welcome a number of special guests and VIPs, including Eagles players and coaches, community leaders and government officials. All proceeds from the concert will be matched by Barwin and his foundation to benefit the restorations of a third Philadelphia playground, which will be announced at the concert.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.UTPhilly.com.
"I’m honored to partner with Union Transfer once again, and am excited to showcase the very talented sounds of Hop Along and Waxahatchee at this year’s third annual MTWB Benefit Concert," said Barwin. "As a direct result of the generous donations over the past two years, we have been able to provide our community with playgrounds that are fun, educational and safe. By working together, we are strengthening our home, the Greater Philadelphia Region, and giving our youth a chance to reach their full potential. On behalf of our devoted partners, I’m thrilled to announce the new park project for 2016 at the concert on June 3."
Key project partners to date include Urban Roots, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia Water Department, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Union Transfer, I.AM.SP and Philly Rising.
Over the past two years, the MTWB Foundation has raised $470,000 through the annual benefit concerts, contributing to $3.5 million in funds that have helped refurbish local Philadelphia playgrounds. Smith Playground (2100 S. 24th St.) and Ralph Brooks Park (S. 20th St.) have been the latest beneficiaries of Barwin and the City of Philadelphia’s efforts. Some of the renovated features include new basketball courts, bleachers, a tot lot, senior gaming terrace, community rain gardens and public murals by M Steve "ESPO" Powers of the Mural Arts Program. Additionally, Smith Playground’s recreation center, which is currently undergoing construction, is set to receive new turf football and baseball fields, a fitness trail and a Green Stormwater Infrastructure.
Founded by Barwin in 2013, the MTWB Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of Philadelphia’s youth by providing safe and fun places for artistic and athletic development. The foundation collaborates with businesses, neighborhood organizations, local government, passionate individuals and like-minded charities to "make the world better" one place at a time. For more information, please visit www.MTWB.org.