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WSFS Bank Loves Small Businesses Holiday Program Honors Four Local Businesses That Go Above and Beyond for Their Communities
running-a-business | Read Time: 4 minutes
By Eric Springer | Published: December 2021
For thousands of small businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region, the past two years have seen ups, downs and everything in between.
Despite these challenges, many of these businesses, their leaders and their employees didn’t lose sight of their ability to positively impact their communities.
This holiday season, after receiving hundreds of nominations, WSFS Bank and FOX 29 teamed up to award four small businesses in the region that strive to lift the spirits of others by going above and beyond to serve their customers and communities. Each winner was awarded $1,000 and a live segment on Good Day Philadelphia with reporter Bob Kelly, plus a special surprise for their customers—WSFS Bank purchased an additional $1,000 of gift cards to each winner’s store and presented them to customers and local shoppers!
Shane & Pepper Candle Company
What started as a fundraiser for a service dog for their son has turned into so much more for Brett and Marie Popiny.
They first began making soy candles in 2016 to help pay for their son, Shane’s, mobility service dog and were able to raise $17,000. Shane is a pediatric stroke survivor who has cerebral palsy and working with non-profit 4 Paws for Ability in Ohio, the family was able to bring Pepper into their family.
These days, Pepper and Shane are inseparable. Pepper helps Shane up and down steps, opens doors for him, turns on lights, and even helps Shane take his sweatshirt off.
During the fundraiser, the candles we so popular that Shane had an idea—turn their candle making into a business that also gave back.
Click here to read their full story and watch their Good Day Philadelphia segment!
Pride Paws
Founded in 2009 by the Ritzel family, Pride Paws started as a nonprofit organization in a church basement making dog treats, with the goal of offering transitional employment experiences for people with developmental disabilities.
The Ritzels wanted their son, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, and others to have an opportunity to gain meaningful employment in their lives, participating in running the day-to-day operations of a business and teaching life skills with the help volunteer “job coaches.”
Click here to read their full story and watch their Good Day Philadelphia segment!
The Crab Cake Company
Every Saturday for 11 months during the pandemic, Tish Ambrosine made sure 25-30 staffers at Christiana Hospital were well fed with free cuisine from The Crab Cake Company, which she co-owned with her husband, John, in Middletown, Delaware.
They kept providing meals until Tish was diagnosed with breast cancer and in February 2021, she unfortunately lost her fight.
Today, John and their daughter, Tiffany, carry on Tish’s legacy in the Middletown community by supporting friends, neighbors and others in need throughout the year.
Click here to read their full story and watch their Good Day Philadelphia segment!
Dolly’s Boutique & Consignment
When clients visit Shani Newton’s store, Dolly’s Boutique & Consignment in the Mt. Airy neighborhood in Philadelphia, they are treated to a luxurious experience while searching for fashionable clothes and accessories.
But what really keeps Shani going is her love for giving back to the community, helping women in need dress for success. Inspired by her late good friend and mentor, Shani continues her journey to selflessly deliver the latest fashions to her clients and community members who need a “hand up” to reach their goals.
Click here to read her full story and watch her Good Day Philadelphia segment!
Congratulations to all the WSFS Bank Loves Small Businesses Holiday Program winners!
About the Author – Eric Springer
Eric Springer is Assistant Vice President, Integrated Communications Manager at WSFS Bank. He brings more than 15 years’ experience in corporate communications and marketing for banking, professional services and nonprofit organizations.
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