ATD-AMERICAN Helps Build Philadelphia's Newest Field of Dreams

September 23, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Education News
Wyncote, Pa. - September 23, 2007 - Continuing their example of giving back to the community, ATD-AMERICAN (http://www.atdamerican.com/school-furniture), a family-owned nationwide distributor of office and school furniture, headquartered in Wyncote, Pa., recently donated two sets of bleachers to show their support for a local youth football program in Philadelphia's Frankford section.

ATD-AMERICAN topped an online search for "Bleachers" made by Philadelphia Eagles' marketing director, Mike Malo, who helped line up donors for a makeover of Gambrel Field, longtime home of Pop Warner's Frankford Chargers, Philadelphia's "winningest" youth football team, and a local force since 1967.

For the last 40 years, Frankford's championship boy's football teams have been coached and mentored by Bill Gambrel, 71, for whom the recreation center and field are named. Over its 46 years, however, the recreation center itself has suffered urban blight and lack of funds. Gambrel Field was littered with rocks and glass, and the turf was creased with deep ruts from trespassing all-terrain vehicles.

When contacted by the Eagles, ATD president, Janet Wischnia, and executive vice-president, Yvonne Zaslow Cohen, didn't hesitate to participate. They immediately agreed to donate the bleachers and arranged for quick delivery. Janet volunteered a team of ATD associates to assemble the bleachers on the field in time for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 18th. ATD'S School Furniture Team was also able to provide four team benches to be donated by the Eagles.

Coverage of the transformation will appear in the pilot episode of "Home Field Advantage," a program debuting on Fox Sports Network this fall, and hosted by Philadelphia Eagles legend Vince "Invincible" Papale and FSN anchor Laura Okmin. Featured will be the assembly of the bleachers by ATD associates and an interview with Janet about how the Eagles found her website http://www.atdamerican.com/school-furniture

"Home Field Advantage," co-produced by Phil Tuckett and Rick Horrow, is themed around identifying an American community youth sports facility in a state of extreme disrepair, and remaking it into a top-notch sports center for kids in need.

"ATD-AMERICAN is excited to a part of this transformation," Janet told Coach Gambrel, who came out to watch the installation of the bleachers. "Helping the Chargers and the Pop Warner organization build tomorrow's leaders is a privilege for all of us at ATD. We're glad for the opportunity to give back to the community."


About ATD-AMERICAN (http://www.atdamerican.com/school-furniture):
ATD-AMERICAN, a nationwide distributor of school furniture, office furniture and church furniture is celebrating 76 years as a family-owned business. Educators count on ATD's 25-year guarantee when choosing quality classroom furniture, school chairs, school desks and preschool furniture. Office chairs, ergonomic chairs, swivel chairs, office desks and computer furniture from ATD are designed to work for you. Transform spaces with folding chairs, folding tables, stacking chairs, breakroom furniture and cafeteria tables that set-up quickly and store compactly. Take command in the boardroom with state-of-the-art conference room furniture. Whatever your needs, whatever your style, ATD has the furniture for you!

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For further information contact:
ATD-AMERICAN
135 Greenwood Avenue, Wyncote, PA 19095
Janet Wischnia 215-576-1000 Ext. 2275
janet@atd.com


Link to the Eagles' article: "Eagles Help Christen Gambrel Field" (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?STORY_ID=13707)