2022 Signature Annual Holiday Lunch: Celebrating the Future of Immune Health – Cheers to a Bright Future!
On Thursday, December 8, 2022, we hosted our Signature Annual Holiday Lunch. This year’s theme focused on the future of immune health. Headline speakers: Dr. Jonathan Epstein, the William Wikoff Smith Professor and Chief Scientific Officer for Penn Medicine, and Mark Rohlfing, Vice President of Operations, Almac Clinical Services, discussed their organizations’ groundbreaking research, technology, clinical trials, and how their work is enabling humans to live healthier and longer lives. James Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia, along with Emma Wade-Smith OBE, HM Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General New York highlighted how the life sciences industry operating in Philadelphia and the UK are investing in this key business sector and collaborating to make the future bright. Our holiday program featured UK holiday traditions and sponsors: Almac Group, American Airlines, Citrin Cooperman, Santander Commercial Banking, and Forensic Resolutions.
Approximately 150 guests gathered to celebrate the pioneering life sciences work taking place at Penn Medicine and Almac Group, and transatlantic trade. The program featured informative presentations by keynote speakers as well as remarks from Stephen Neuman, Vice President, Global Government Affairs, American Airlines; Kevin Ryan, Partner, Citrin Cooperman Advisors; and Nick Lotz, President, BABCPHL and Managing Director, Head of Mid-Corporate Banking at Santander Commercial Banking. The event included a formal midday meal, traditional “Christmas Crackers,” and exciting raffle prizes, called by Howard Silverstone, incoming BABCPHL President and raffle draw leader of ceremonies extraordinaire. Guests were crying with laughter listening to Howard’s witty jokes. Special thanks to local retailers, restaurants, hotels, musical and performing arts groups, sports teams, and our hometown, hub airline, American Airlines for their generous donations.
Every year the BABCPHL chooses a regional charity to support during the holiday season. A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Philadelphia Region in celebration of the life of an extraordinary woman who changed the world, Dr. Audrey E. Evans. Dr. Evans was a trailblazing oncologist who created the Evans Staging System for neuroblastoma treatment. Born in York, England in 1925, she was the visionary and co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House in the world in Philadelphia. There are now 380 Houses in forty-five countries, including the United Kingdom. Dr. Evans was a woman who cared deeply, and we are honored to do our small part in ensuring her legacy.
This year’s Signature Annual Holiday Lunch was particularly meaningful. This event marked the return of our holiday party after a hiatus brought on by the pandemic, and it recognized the life and contributions of her Majesty the Queen. Professionals from both the public and private sectors were thrilled to be back together again for this annual holiday gathering honoring the strength of transatlantic trade. Attendees joyously celebrated the innovative life sciences developments, making it possible to gather again in person for the first time since 2019. The event concluded with everyone standing to view the live recording of Philadelphia’s cultural ambassador, The Philadelphia Orchestra perform God Save the Queen at Royal Albert Hall just hours after the Queen passed away. We are proud to support the relationship between our region and Great Britain, and to applaud life sciences leaders and BABCPHL Club Level members who are making the future bright.
Special thanks to BABCPHL 2022 Holiday Lunch sponsors, without whom this program would not have been possible: Almac Group, American Airlines, Citrin Cooperman, Forensic Resolutions, and Santander Commercial Banking.
Best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous holiday season. We are thankful for your support and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
For photos from the event, click here.
