News / Events

Philadelphia, PA - June 01, 2005 - Gloria Guard, President of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and its Community Development Corporation (PECCDC), was honored with The Philadelphia Award on May 25, 2005. The award is presented to a citizen of the region who has done the most to "advance the best and largest interest" of the community.

"Gloria Guard is an outstanding civic leader whose dedication and innovation embody the spirit of The Philadelphia Award," said Charisse Lillie, Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Philadelphia Award. "Through her dynamic leadership of People’s Emergency Center and PEC’s Community Development Corporation, she has relentlessly fought for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens to have the best possible housing, education, jobs, social services and technology."

The award was presented in a ceremony at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Angela Glover Blackwell, President of Policy Link, a national nonprofit research, communications and advocacy organization, delivered the keynote address at the event, and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, a past recipient, presented Guard with the award.

"It is an honor to be counted among the prestigious recipients of The Philadelphia Award," said Guard. "My hope is that this award will bring attention to our fine city and our unfilled promise to the neediest among us. It is our responsibility to assure that opportunities for home ownership and success are there for everyone, and that thriving safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and active businesses are a reality for every community in Philadelphia."

Guard joins the ranks of a distinguished group of leaders honored by The Philadelphia Award including Marian Anderson, Eugene Organdy, Edmund Bacon, Sister Mary Scullion, Walter Annenberg, Ed Rendell, John Street and Judith Rodin.

About the Philadelphia Award

The Philadelphia Award was established in 1921 by Pulitzer-Prize winning author and philanthropist Edward W. Bok. The award is given each year to a citizen of the Philadelphia region who, during the preceding year, acted and served on behalf of the best interests of the community. It is among the most cherished, meaningful, and prestigious awards conferred in, by and for the Philadelphia community.