The holidays are a blast: A crowd gathered at American Heritage Federal Credit Union on Red Lion Road to watch an impressive fireworks show.
More than 7,500 people celebrated the start of the holiday season in Northeast Philadelphia at American Heritage Federal Credit Union’s Annual Grand Illumination Tree Livghting and Fireworks Symphony.
Guests enjoyed the sounds of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and The Fife and Drums of the Old Barracks before Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross counted down to the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree. Lisa Horton, winner of the credit union’s Facebook Sweepstakes, flipped the switch to illuminate more than 35,000 lights on the tree. The grand finale was a spectacular fireworks show set to the music of the HBO series John Adams.
During the event, AHFCU President and CEO Bruce Foulke presented a symbolic check for $1 million to Robin Valentino of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to commemorate the $1 million that the credit union has donated to the hospital. On-site collections accounted for an additional $3,000 to be donated to the hospital. In addition, guests donated nonperishable foods to support Philabundance.
Earlier in November, AHFCU staff members visited Children’s Hospital, where they joined children in decorating musical instruments that would later be used in music therapy sessions. The credit union supports the hospital’s music therapy program through the Kids-N-Hope Foundation by purchasing musical equipment, funding a music therapist and hiring visiting musicians trained in assisting children with developmental disabilities. ••
