In the News

PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 8th, 2017) – One Liberty Observation Deck and Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region (BBBS Independence), have teamed up to celebrate and honor the positive strides and philanthropic efforts of our city’s real estate and architectural development professionals.

On Wednesday, June 7th, BBBS Independence welcomed VIP guests from the Greater Philadelphia real estate industry to a private mixer event, hosted by One Liberty Observation Deck as a part of a year-long partnership with the organization. Registered guests of the special mixer learned details related to a new Big Brothers Big Sisters signature event appropriately titled the “Building Big Awards: Changing Landscapes, Changing Lives.”

Guests of the two hour private evening event learned about the award nomination process for individuals and businesses, and how to showcase their projects at the 2017 ‘Building Big Awards’ ceremony on October 12th. In addition, the event featured moving testimonials by BBBS alums Steve McLatchy , Peter Buckley, and Ken Wellar . Philadelphia’s favorite radio host Chio from Chio in the Morning was also in attendance to speak on past involvement in working with the organization and announced he’s hoping to return as a “Big” later this year. To conclude, Marcus Allen , CEO of BBBS Independence, took the stage to speak on the impact and thank guests for their support.

The collaboration between both organizations is particularly timely as the iconic One Liberty tower celebrates its 30th-year anniversary. Most recognizable as one of the trademark pillars of the Philadelphia skyline, the tower — which houses the Montparnasse 56-owned observation deck — is responsible for much of the area’s economic and real estate development growth.

“We are excited to be hosting this very special event and we’re proud of the calendar of activities we have aligned over the year to come,” says Jennifer Hesser, Assistant General Manager of the observation deck, “Partnering with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region gives us the opportunity to use our towering platform to evoke and celebrate mass positive change throughout a booming city we proudly helped shape.”

At the June 7 th event, the organizations jointly announced plans to expand their partnership in the future. Fundraisers, “Lunch & Learn” events, and educational “Match Activities” for mentors and mentees will benefit the organization and celebrate the life-changing impact their efforts make in the lives of both ‘Bigs’ and ‘Littles’ alike.

“One Liberty Observation Deck is the perfect venue to announce our new, annual event which will bring together the local real estate industry and our non-profit community,” said Marcus Allen, CEO of BBBS Independence. “It seems fitting that One Liberty is celebrating its 30th -year anniversary as the city’s first skyscraper which later transformed real estate development in the city. With our theme, ‘Changing Landscapes, Changing Lives,’ we look forward to honoring individuals and corporations driving positive change and transforming lives in our region.”

For more information about the Building Big Awards event, visit BuildingBigAwards.org. For more information on One Liberty Observation Deck and to purchase tickets to the city’s tallest attraction, visit PhillyFromTheTop.com.