Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will host the 47th annual Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children for approximately 400 children of different races, ages and creeds. All of the children who attend the party are served through various programs of Catholic Social Services. The party begins with a colorful parade, followed by presents and entertainment.

Wednesday, December 18, 2002
2:30 p.m.
Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel
17th Street between Vine and Race Streets
Philadelphia

Cardinal Bevilacqua will lead a parade of marching bands, clowns and jugglers into the ballroom at exactly 2:30 p.m. The Cardinal will speak to the children at 2:45 p.m. as will Reverend Monsignor Timothy Senior, Secretary for Catholic Human Services. There will be a short play at 2:50 p.m. and Santa Claus will arrive at 3:00 p.m. to distribute gifts.

The Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children raises funds to support the programs of Catholic Social Services, which is the largest private non-profit social service agency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Catholic Social Services assists more than 135,000 children, adults and families throughout the five-county area of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

As in past years, the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel will generously provide its services for this event. Mr. Daniel H. Polett, owner and president of Wilkie Chevrolet Buick Subaru, is the event chairperson for the tenth year.

The entertainment will be provided by students from Roman Catholic High School for Boys, John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School, Cardinal O'Hara High School, Bishop Shanahan High School, Archbishop Ryan High School, Archbishop John Carroll High School, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, Archbishop Wood Catholic High School and Saint Joseph's Preparatory School.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747