Annual Gala & Make A Difference Award

GACC Philadelphia's Annual Gala & Make A Difference Award too place on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 6:30-11:30pm. Thank you to all that attended and made the evening special!

GACC Philadelphia proudly presented this year's "Make A Difference" Award to Philadelphia Soccer 2026, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the Greater Philadelphia region and business community. The organization serves as the Local Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ in coordination with the City of Philadelphia. Meg Kane, as Host City Executive/CEO, leads the operationalization of the Local Organizing Committee, which is responsible for ensuring the successful hosting of Philadelphia's six World Cup matches, running a 40-day Fan Festival, and welcoming more than a half million visitors to Philadelphia in the summer of 2026. Learn more about our 2025 Award Honoree here.
 

This year’s event also featured an unforgettable live performance by none other than the "Godfather of Freestyle Soccer" Steve Elias (aka Eli Freeze) - World Freestyle Soccer Champion and Guinness World Record Holder! Guests were amazed as Eli Freeze and Nick Seyda from Freestyle Soccer Inc. brought their world-class freestyle soccer skills to the stage.

We celebrated an evening of networking with the German-American business community, featuring a cocktail reception, a three-course family-style dinner (evoking the same culinary spirit as Philadelphia's famed Zahav restaurant), as well as our popular silent auction! Featured items included event tickets to the Philadelphia Union, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Philadelphia Flyers! There was also exclusive signed merchandise from the Philadelphia Eagles, tickets to local theaters and museums, German wine and food specialties, and classic German toys from brands like Schleich, Steiff, Playmobil, and Bruder!

Every guest also received a goodie bag filled with delightful German treats and more!