A Week of Thanks for Upper Merion’s First Responders

From October 26 to 30, King of Prussia District, in partnership with Upper Merion Township (UMT), proudly hosted the 7th Annual First Responders Appreciation Week, presented by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s King of Prussia Campus.

This community tradition honors UMT’s career and volunteer first responders with a week of good food and sincere thanks.

The week kicked off with an opening reception and luncheon at the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company, which once again served as host. Lunch was provided by Opening Lunch Sponsor Koren’s Kitchen. Glen Martinez, Security Sergeant for CHOP King of Prussia, spoke about CHOP’s deep appreciation for Upper Merion’s first responders and shared that supporting the people who keep the community safe is what inspires CHOP to support this event year after year. Upper Merion Township Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Blaine Leis and Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors and Supervisor Liaison to the Public Safety Citizen Advisory Board William Jenaway added their own recognition of the township’s first responders and the work they do every day. King of Prussia District President & CEO Eric Goldstein thanked both the first responders and the sponsors whose generosity makes the week possible, then presented a check for $6,500 to the Upper Merion Department of Public Safety on behalf of Upper Merion Township, King of Prussia District and all of this year’s sponsors.

Over the course of the week, about 250 meals were served to first responders, including sweet treats and coffee from some of King of Prussia’s favorite spots, all made possible by the support of our sponsors.

Meals came from Bagelicious, Spread Bagelry, Uma Cafe & Peruvian Restaurant, Founding Farmers, Just Salad, First Watch Cafe, Eataly, Duffy’s Restaurant and Buffalo Wild Wings. Sweet treats were provided by Amorino Gelato, The Cheesecake Factory, Bang Cookies, Kilwins and Venchi. A special thank you also goes to coffee trucks Cafe Gourmino and Mayday Coffee for keeping everyone fueled.

One week of meals can’t fully capture how much this community appreciates its first responders. Each year, though, this event gives King of Prussia’s business community a chance to come together and say thank you to the people who show up for us.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s King of Prussia Campus

Supporting Sponsors: Associa Mid-Atlantic, AT&T, Brandywine Realty Trust, Eigen X, Gerhard’s Appliances, Industrial Investments, KOP Town Center/CBRE, Police and Fire Federal Credit Union, Pro Team Collision, Radial, SERVPRO of King of Prussia, The Sheraton Valley Forge & The Element, The Kubach Family, Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, Valley Forge Shopping Center and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

Friend Sponsors: Arkema, Bacchi Funeral Home, IBEW Local 98 & NECA and Main Line Health

Opening Lunch Sponsor: Koren’s Kitchen

Print Sponsor: Conlin’s Print