The Philadelphia Award

More about The Philadelphia Award

Edward W. Bok (1863-1930), publishing executive and editor of the Ladies' Home Journal, founded The Philadelphia Award in June 1921.

The Philadelphia Award is among the most cherished, meaningful and prestigious awards conferred in, by and for the Philadelphia community. The award is given each year to the citizen in the Philadelphia region who, during the preceding year, has contributed a service "to advance the best and largest interest of the community."

In establishing The Philadelphia Award, Bok wrote, "service to others tends to make lives happy and communities prosperous." He believed that "the ideal of service as a test of good citizenship should be kept constantly before the minds of the people of Philadelphia." It was his vision to honor the achievements of the men and women of Philadelphia, from many walks of life, who, while not pursing greatness, have achieved great things.

Since its inception, The Philadelphia Award has recognized the achievements of more than 80 individuals, who have touched all segments of society. Its recipients have been some of the most distinguished Philadelphians in its history, including industrialists, educators, lawyers, political figures, scientists, physicians, members of the clergy, social activists, philosophers, musicians, artists, architects and writers. All are bonded by their shared vision: Make the city more prosperous, efficient and beautiful by enriching, educating, inspiring and caring for those who live there.

Past winners have included such luminaries as Philadelphia Orchestra maestro Leopold Stokowski, philanthropist and yarn merchant Samuel Fleisher, Philadelphia Athletics owner and proponent of good sportsmanship Cornelius McGillicuddy (Connie Mack), legendary contralto Marian Anderson, soap merchant and philanthropist Samuel S. Fels, attorney and political leader Richardson Dilworth, architects Louis I. Kahn, Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi, visionary city planner, Edmund N. Bacon, social activists Reverend Paul M. Washington, Sister Mary Scullion, and Rev. Leon Sullivan, publishing magnate and philanthropist Walter H. Annenberg, to name a few.

The Philadelphia Award is administered by a Board of Trustees and carries a $25,000 honorarium.