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Former Governor Ed Rendell to receive Comcast SportNet’s Shining Star Lifetime Achievement Award

Former Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell has been selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the 2nd Annual Comcast SportsNet Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes at The Westin Philadelphia on Friday, February 3 at 6 p.m. These awards, hosted by Comcast SportsNet’s Ron Burke, will honor Rendell for his incredible achievements, remarkable leadership and extraordinary service to the community.

Through his support as Governor of Pennsylvania, the Newborn Screening Act was passed in 2008 guaranteeing newborn screening for disorders that threaten the lives of babies. Governor Rendell’s support not only raised the interest of those voting on the Act, but also raised public awareness of the devastating consequences of failure to screen and treat newborns for rare but fatal genetic and metabolic conditions. Rendell welcomed pro football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly to engage the House and Senate regarding the critical need to safeguard the health of all newborns. Because of Rendell’s work with the March of Dimes, newborns are now screened for hearing loss and 28 preventable metabolic disorders.

“Former Governor Rendell has made an impact in the lives of so many people, but his support of the March of Dimes has provided our youngest citizens with the preventive measures they need to help them grow up healthy and strong,” said Shining Stars Chairman Dan Finnerty.

"I am thrilled to be receiving the Shining Star Lifetime Achievement Award from the March of Dimes, an organization that has done extraordinary work to improve the lives of Pennsylvania's children,” said Rendell. “Without the support of the March of Dimes, my efforts as Governor to bring attention to the issue of newborn screening would not have been nearly as successful."

In addition to his support of the March of Dimes, Rendell has a proven track record of getting big things done. He’s tackled tough issues from education reform to taxes to creating jobs, and his leadership skills were taken to a national level when he served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and chaired the National Governors Association.

As Governor of Pennsylvania from 2003-2011, Rendell served two terms as chief executive of the nation’s 6th-most-populous state and oversaw a $28.3 billion budget.

As Mayor of Philadelphia from 1992-1999, he led what The New York Times called “the most stunning turnaround in recent urban history.” The subject of the book Prayer for the City by Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Buzz Bissinger, Rendell was called “one of America’s best, most interesting mayors.”
In addition to presenting Rendell with the Lifetime Achievement Award, five extraordinary children who have benefited from the work of the March of Dimes will receive their Shining Star Awards at the event. These children had the opportunity to spend a once in a lifetime experience with members of the Philadelphia sports community. Those attending the dinner will hear about their incredible journey and interaction with their favorite athletes which include: 13-year old Jake Koerner from Mt. Laurel, NJ, and Philadelphia Phillie Kyle Kendrick; 10-year old Kate Santangelo from Chadds Ford, PA, and Philadelphia Flyer Max Talbot; 9-year old Jacob Mukalian from Downingtown, PA and former Philadelphia Eagle Ike Reese, and four-year old twins Jonas and Lily Vasquez from Willow Grove, PA and Philadelphia 76er Coach Aaron McKie.

At the event on February 3, the children will be presented with their awards and a special video presentation will be shown which documents the child’s remarkable life and their day with the athlete. The evening will also include the presentation of Rendell’s Lifetime Achievement Award and live and silent auctions.

In 2011, over 300 people attended the first-time event, raising nearly $200,000. Attending the event were players from the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, Sixers and Phillies, plus Lifetime Achievement honoree Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider.

The 2nd Annual Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group will be held at The Westin Philadelphia on February 3 at 6 p.m. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and bid on sports memorabilia and once in a lifetime opportunities. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available by calling Susan Elder at 610-945-6050 or by visiting www.ShiningStarAwards.com.

Funds raised by the Shining Star Awards benefitting the March of Dimes presented by Wanamaker Entertainment Group support the March of Dimes prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs, and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.

About Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, part of the NBC Sports Group, is the leading regional sports network reaching over three million viewers in and around Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. Together with The Comcast Network, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia provides local sports fans with the most sports coverage including more than 250 live game broadcasts of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies, MLS’s Philadelphia Union, plus NCAA coverage, as well as Emmy Award-winning sports news and analysis. Visit CSNPhilly.com for more information.