With awards ceremony, Philly DoGooder goes big

Five months in the making, the Philly DoGooder campaign wrapped up with a lively awards ceremony Thursday night.

The project had paired nonprofits and filmmakers, in a bid to help local organizations spread the word about how they’re making Philadelphia a better place in more interesting ways.

“It’s the beginning of a movement,” said Dave Gloss, co-founder of Here’s My Chance, the marketing agency behind the campaign.

Gloss says the DoGooder Awards are designed to shine a light on social innovation in Philadelphia.

“It’s not just an annual event; it’s an everyday thing,” said Gloss. “Now it’s on you guys, the rest of Philadelphia, to learn about who [these organizations] are and what they’re doing.”

Doing good

Gloss — along with Mayor Michael Nutter and the current Miss Pennsylvania USA — crowned a handful of winners Thursday night at the University of the Arts’ Hamilton Hall.

Five organizations will now split $250,000 worth of services donated by local firms.

New Leash On Life was one of three nonprofits to take home a viewer’s choice award. The group places shelter dogs with prison inmates, working to get the dogs permanent homes and the inmates solid jobs after they get out.

 

“It means a lot,” said Rob Rosa, director of operations for New Leash On Life.

The video will help with publicity and fundraising efforts, Rosa says. But ultimately it’s a means to an end.

“It means we can do more programs,” said Rosa, who himself served 12 years in state prison. “We can put more effort into helping these inmates come out and get secure employment. We can help the community become a little bit safer.”

“I don’t believe that you pay your debt to society when you do your time,” Rosa added. “I believe that you pay your debt to society when you come out and you become a productive citizen to your community.”

The winners

Working Film Establishment won the overall prize.

 

Diversified Community Services took home a Viewer’s Choice award.

 

As did the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

 

PathWays PA was the winner in the video hackathon category.

 

—

DISCLOSURE: Generocity.org, which helps fund the WHYY Innovations Desk, is a Philly DoGooder partner organization.