WAWA, PA — Wawa Welcome America will feature its annual Hoagie Day on June 27, bringing together Philadelphians to celebrate community and honor local and national heroes. This year’s event will see the creation of 25,000 hoagies using seven tons of ingredients.
A Celebration for Heroes
Wawa Hoagie Day has become a staple in Philadelphia, honoring military personnel, veterans, firefighters, police officers, and other everyday heroes. The event will distribute 15,000 free turkey hoagies to the public and donate an additional 10,000 hoagies to organizations including Philabundance, the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia, and the Veterans Multi-Service Center.
Attendees will also enjoy free admission to the National Constitution Center, courtesy of Wawa.
History and Tradition
Hoagie Day started in 1992 when then-Mayor Ed Rendell declared the hoagie the “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia.” Since then, the event has focused on honoring military service members, a tradition that continues this year. Wawa’s ongoing partnership with the USO highlights this commitment. During the event, The Wawa Foundation will present a $900,000 check to the USO, funds raised through Wawa’s in-store customer campaigns. Rebecca Parkes, USO Regional President, will speak about the impact of this support.
Hoagies for Heroes Competition
The day will also feature a “Hoagies for Heroes” competition. Hosted by WMMR’s Preston and Casey, the contest will pit Philadelphia police officers against firefighters in a hoagie-building showdown, with proceeds benefiting their chosen charities. Members of the PA Army National Guard and Pennsylvania Air National Guard will also compete, benefiting the USO. Each participating team will receive a $3,000 donation from Wawa for their respective charities.
Chainwide Participation
Beyond Philadelphia, all 1,050 Wawa stores will join the celebration by donating 30 hoagies each to local everyday heroes in their communities, totaling 30,000 hoagies across the chain.
“Wawa Welcome America is an incredible series of community events that honor our local heroes as we lead up to our nation’s birthday,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa CEO. “Each year, Hoagie Day becomes even more exciting, meaningful, and delicious. We look at Hoagie Day as a tradition of giving back and a way to bring the community together to show appreciation to those who serve. We are so grateful to our heroes and want to wish them and everyone in our communities a very happy July 4th!”
Wawa Hoagie Day: Uniting Communities Through Gratitude and Giving
Wawa Hoagie Day serves as more than just a community gathering; it is a powerful symbol of gratitude and unity. By honoring various groups of heroes, Wawa strengthens its ties to the community and underscores the importance of service and sacrifice. The event’s expansion to all Wawa locations further amplifies its impact, ensuring that acts of appreciation reach every corner of their operating area.
This annual celebration not only fosters community spirit but also sets an example for corporate social responsibility. Wawa’s commitment to giving back, as demonstrated by the large-scale hoagie donations and substantial financial support to the USO, highlights how companies can play a pivotal role in supporting and uplifting their communities.
In conclusion, Wawa Hoagie Day is a testament to the company’s dedication to honoring those who serve and bringing people together. As the event continues to grow, it promises to deliver even greater benefits to both the local community and beyond.
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