The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and the Philadelphia Auto Show Welcome Students from the Archdiocesan Schools of Special Education for Exclusive Tour and Special Moment with “Pope Francis’ Philly FIAT”

The Archdiocesan Schools for Special Education, whose students Pope Francis expressed such love and care for during his historic visit to Philadelphia, offered special experience with the “Philly FIAT” before Auto Show opens to the public

Philadelphia, PA (January 29, 2016) – The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and the Philadelphia Auto Show today hosted students from the four Archdiocesan Schools of Special Education for an exclusive tour of the Philadelphia Auto Show, including a stop to see one of the two FIAT 500Ls used by Pope Francis during his historic visit to Philadelphia. This special tour took place in advance of Friday’s evening’s Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate at which at least one of “Pope Francis’ Philly FIATs” will be auctioned to benefit several Archdiocesan ministries.

In showing “Pope Francis’ Philly FIAT” to these special students, Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, utilized interactive story-telling to share the tale of Pope Francis’ trip to Philadelphia and to explain the significance of this important yet humble vehicle. Students participated in the story by sharing famed photos of Pope Francis during his visit to the city for the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015. At the conclusion, each student was given a Vatican City flag and all gathered around the famed FIAT for a “selfie,” which was “tweeted” to Pope Francis’ @Pontifex account.

“The opportunity to share this moment with these wonderful students truly reflects the power of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia last September,” said Farrell. “As the Holy Father encouraged us to love and care for others, especially those most vulnerable and marginalized in society, I could not be more thankful to David Kelleher and the Philadelphia Auto Show for opening its doors to us and helping us to support so many worthy causes, including our schools of special education.”

The Schools of Special Education, operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and managed in-part by the Faith in the Future Foundation, allow students to immerse themselves in the wonder of their surroundings, the love of their communities and the joy of learning that every child shares. Each of the Archdiocesan schools of special education delivers a strong suite of academic, sensory and spiritual instruction. Students learn more than the skills needed to make it in the world; they also learn how to make the world a better place. The Schools of Special Education is comprised of Archbishop Ryan Academy for the Deaf, Saint Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairment, Saint Katherine Day School and Our Lady of Confidence.

During the annual Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate (Friday, January 29 at 8:45 p.m. EST), one of “Pope Francis’ Philly FIATs” will be auctioned to the public to benefit select ministries and missions of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The proceeds from the auction of “Pope Francis’ Philly FIAT” will benefit four missions of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including 50 percent of the proceeds benefitting Catholic Charities Appeal, and the remaining 50 percent will be broken evenly amongst Mercy Hospice, Casa Del Carmen, and Schools of Special Education. In addition to the auction, the second FIAT 500L will be on display to the general public for the duration of the Philadelphia Auto Show (Saturday, January 30 – Sunday, February 7).

To participate in-person or remotely as a bidder for “Pope Francis’ Philly FIAT,” please contact Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Co. by visiting www.maxspann.com or calling 888.299.1438. To purchase tickets to The Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate, please visit http://www.phillyautoshow.com/bttg/. To purchase tickets to the Philadelphia Auto Show (January 30 – February 7), please visit phillyautoshow.com.    

For more information about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and those non-profit organizations set to benefit from the auction of the Papal Fiat, please visit https://archphila.org/. For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, please visit www.WorldMeeting2015.org. For additional information regarding the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 official commemorative book and DVD, please visit: http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/get-involved/keepsake-book-commemorative-dvd/

About the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Founded in 1808, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is comprised of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia County in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the spiritual home for over 1.4 million Catholics in the region in 219 parishes. Through its parish elementary schools, high schools, and schools of special education, the Archdiocese molds tomorrow’s leaders through innovative 21^st century learning programs. Through the ministries of Catholic Social Services, it provides care for over 200,000 members of the community who are most in need each year who come from a broad array of faith backgrounds.

 About the World Meetings of Families

Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.

About the Black Tie Tailgate and the Philadelphia Auto Show

The 2016 Black Tie Tailgate on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, is produced by the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment while getting a preview of the Show. Through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, the Black Tie Tailgate proceeds benefit the Division of Neurology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Total giving since 1986 surpasses $6.3 million. Black Tie Tailgate tickets are $225 per person and can be purchased at www.phillyautoshow.com/bttg.  

 

The 2016 Philadelphia Auto Show, produced and owned by the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, rolls into the Pennsylvania Convention Center Jan. 30 to Feb. 7. This year’s event will feature 700 vehicles from more than 40 worldwide manufacturers. Highlights include an array of pre-production, hot production, classic, luxury, and exotic models. Ticket prices range from $7 to $14. For more information, visit phillyautoshow.com

Sponsors of the 2016 Black Tie Tailgate

Grand Sponsors: Lexus and Mercedes-Benz; Platinum Sponsors: Audi, Subaru and Toyota; Gold Sponsors: 6abc, Anabus, Aramark/SFS, Automotive Training Center, Buick GMC, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram/FIAT, Comcast Spotlight, Quality Plus Ford Dealers, Delaware Valley Honda Dealers, Hyundai Motors America, Kia Motors America, Lincoln Technical Institute, Nissan North America, Philadelphia magazine, Philadelphia Media Network, Philadelphia Delaware and Southern NJ Porsche Dealers, Local Area Volkswagen Dealers; Silver Sponsors: Acura, Axalta Coating Systems, Berkadia, Biogen, Bozeken, Comcast SportsNet, ESSA Bank & Trust, Fox Rothschild LLP, Maxim Automotive, Mazda North America, PNC, UpcomingEvents.com and Zurich.

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Bonnie Olinger
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215-587-3747 (office)