'Phillies and IBX Give Back' Toy Delivery and Summer Block Party at PAL

Phanta Claus and friends made a surprise summer appearance for a very special event!

On Thursday, July 24, the Phillies and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) teamed up to host a Christmas in July Toy Delivery and Summer Block Party for kids from the Harrowgate and Ford PAL Centers as part of the official launch of Phillies and IBX Give Back, a year-long series of monthly volunteer and community engagement initiatives.

Broadcaster Tom McCarthy, emcee for the festivities, recognized PAL of Philadelphia as the first beneficiary of Phillies and IBX Give Back. Speakers included Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Phillies Chief Revenue Officer Jackie Cuddeback and IBX Executive Vice President of Public Affairs & President of Government Markets Steve Fera.

Also in attendance were IBX President and CEO Greg Deavens and Phillies Managing Partner and CEO John Middleton, who led the IBX Blue Crew and Phillies Ballgirls, as part of Phillies and IBX Give Back, in distributing hundreds of toys to PAL children. Toys were donated by fans from the Phillies Christmas in July toy collection, along with Phillies and IBX employees. In addition, PAL Executive Director Erica Vanstone and Joe Ellerby from the Ford PAL Center were recognized for going above and beyond in the community.

To help with the gift distribution, the Phillie Phanatic, dressed up as Phanta Claus, made a surprise entry along with 1993 NL champions Mickey Morandini and Milt Thompson (also a 2008 World Series champion coach), and 1980 World Series champion Dickie Noles.

Afterwards, PAL kids were treated to an outdoor Summer Block Party, complete with face painters, balloon artists, games and Phillies goodies, along with treats from Philadelphia Water Ice and Richman’s Ice Cream.

IBX is the Official Health Insurance Partner of the Phillies and the team’s first Official Jersey Patch sponsor.