Eagles Honor 2009 Community Quarterback Finalists

The Philadelphia Eagles Community Quarterback Award honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication, and a commitment to improving the communities in which they live through volunteerism.  Since the beginning of the season, Teva Pharmaceuticals and the Philadelphia Eagles have looked to recognize unheralded volunteers with the annual Community Quarterback Award.  Through the Community Quarterback Award program, ten nominated volunteers were recognized on December 15th, 2009.

This year, due to of the Eagles partnership with Teva Pharmaceuticals, the Eagles were able to increase their annual donation total from $17,000 to $100,000; growing five times the size of years past.  Over 100 nominations were received from all corners of the Philadelphia region as many organizations looked to recognize their most outstanding volunteer with such a prestigious award.

Although the decision was extremely difficult, ten semifinalists were chosen by a panel of judges including representatives from the Philadelphia Eagles and Teva Pharmaceuticals.  Seven of the finalists received $4,000 for each of their organizations, two runners-up received $11,000 each for their non-profits and the Community Quarterback Award Winner, Jerry Segal, was awarded the grand total of $50,000 toward Magee Rehabilitation Center. 

Since being discharged as a patient from Magee Rehabilitation Hospital 20 years ago, Jerry Segal has been a dedicated volunteer at the hospital in a variety of meaningful ways. Now in its 20th year, the Jerry Segal Classic, an annual golf tournament, has raised over $8 million to benefit the patients of Magee. It is not uncommon to see Jerry in the halls of Magee – visiting the patients and helping them by lending his support in any way possible. Jerry helped design Magee's rooftop Center for Community Skills, which emulates a city street complete with uneven curbs, potholes, sewer grates, manhole covers and cobblestones. Patients are able to practice maneuvering through these places in a therapy setting before they are discharged.

""I see Jerry visiting patients in our rehab gyms, talking with them and pushing them. They respect him and listen when he talks because he was once in their shoes.  He knows what it's like to have hope despite the odds, and how hard work can overcome those odds,"" said Guy Fried, MD, CMO, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.  ""Jerry is a one-of-a-kind friend, supporter, cheerleader and philanthropist.""

Jerry and the other nine finalists help to better the lives of others every day.  Led by the notion of no dream too big, or donation too small, the efforts of these determined volunteers have allowed their organizations and communities to accomplish great feats. 

Click Here to see photos from the awards presentation!

Congratulations to the 2009 Community Quarterback Award finalists!

Community Quarterback Award Winner - $50,000
Jerry Segal   Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

Runners-up - $11,000 each
Chris and Ali McDonough The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation
Denise Snyder   Kevin J. Snyder Memorial Foundation

Finalists - $4,000 each
Carol Amengual  Variety, The Children's Charity
Marge Gordon   The Crime Victim's Center of Chester County
Judith Hall   CONTACT Cape Atlantic
Karen Jennings  Military Support Group of New Jersey
Dorothy Johnson-Speight Mothers In Charge
Frank Monaghan  Habitat for Humanity of Philadelphia
Warren Sawyer  Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired