2015

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2015 Draft Day Gala

At The Union League of Philadelphia

June 11, 2015

On June 11th, 2015, over 600 Philadelphians gathered for the Inaugural Draft Day Benefit Gala. The Gala combined the excitement of a major league sports draft with the pageantry of a high school prom to welcome Philadelphia’s next era of leaders: the 2015 Student Leadership Class. These 15 rising juniors draw from 10 Philadelphia area high schools and represent the best and brightest in the city, the future of the region.

To commemorate the launch of this historic initiative, guests enjoyed surprise performances by the Keystone State Boychoir, the Pennsylvania Girlchoir and the Sixers Hype Crew. After a keynote speech by 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown, the Fellows had their names called by numerous dignitaries, including US Senator Robert P. Casey and Thomas Jefferson University President and CEO Dr. Stephen Klasko. Following the Draft, friends, Fellows, and families came together for a dance party worthy of this city’s potential.

Ajay Raju with fellows
Cultivate Leadership on three. Ajay Raju and the Student Leadership Class preparing for Draft Day 2015.
Brett Brown addresses crowd
“The inaugural class of the Germination Project has the amazing opportunity to start a culture, build something new and help lead future generations.”
— Coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Brett Brown and fellows
The 2015 Student Leadership Class and Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown before the official Draft.
Draft Day Gala crowd
Over 600 Philadelphians came out to commemorate the official launch of the Germination Project.
Gary Williams holds jersey
Dr. Stephen Klasko, President and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University, inducted Gary Williams of Julia R. Masterman to the 2015 Student Leadership Class.
Germination project ice sculpture
Scenes from before the Draft: the VIP lounge in the President's Room at the Union League.
Keystone State choir
Draft Day attendees were welcomed with a surprise performance by the Keystone State Boychoir and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir. The ensemble delivered an incredible rendition of “I Need You To Survive” by Hezekiah Walker.
Tom McGrath addresses crowd
"What we're hoping to transform is Philadelphia itself."
— PhillyMag Editor Tom McGrath, kicking off the draft and capturing the essence of the Germination Project.
Alexa Bartels
Senator Bob Casey inducted Alexa Bartels of the Baldwin School to the Student Leadership Class of 2015.
Bob Casey
“Martin Luther King said that everyone can be great because everyone can serve. I have no doubt that these young leaders will lead this city, this commonwealth, and this country.”
— United States Senator Robert Casey
DJ
Following the official Draft, DJ Adrian Hardy created the perfect environment for a celebratory dance party.
Gary dancing
Gary Williams of J.R. Masterman High School and his mom celebrating in style.
Hype crew
The Philadelphia 76ers hype crew pumping up the crowd and kicking off the official draft.
Many dancing
Friends, family, Fellows and supporters gathered in the Lincoln Room of the Union League to celebrate.
Stage fellow
Katherine Klein, Professor of Management at the Wharton School of Business and Vice Dean of the Wharton Social Impact Initiative, inducted Marshae Batchelor of Parkway High School in Center City to the Student Leadership Class of 2015.
Van Dean, Burger
All smiles as Fellows, families and friends came together in honor of the 2015 Student Leadership Class.

More photos of the 2015 Draft Day Gala. Password: gpphilly

2015 Gala Chairs

  • Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.

  • Senator Patrick J. Toomey

  • Dr. Stephen K. Klasko

  • Mr. Richard Vague

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