By: Colleen Blair
During the month of January, Penn Alumni Regional Clubs around the world gathered to celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s birthday. This year, in honor of Franklin’s 309th, the Regional Clubs team sent clubs “Ben-on-a-stick” kits to make their parties more festive, and encouraged clubs to enter their pictures in our first annual Ben’s Birthday Bash Photo Contest. Check out the winner and other highlights below!
Ben’s Birthday Bash Photo Contest Winner: San Diego
The Penn Club of San Diego celebrated on January 17, Ben Franklin’s actual birthday, with a dinner and private tour at the Green Dragon Tavern and Museum in Carlsbad, CA. This stunning replica of Boston’s original Green Dragon Tavern, where revolutionaries met to plan the Revolution, was the perfect place to celebrate Ben Franklin!
San Antonio
Also on January 17, the Penn Alumni Club of San Antonio celebrated Ben Franklin’s Birthday in lively and traditional fashion at Youz Guyz Philly Cheesesteaks, the local shrine to South Philly cuisine and Big Five academics and athletics. Fifteen alumnae and alumni were joined by family and friends, ranging in age from three to ninety-plus. All guests enjoyed cheesesteaks, hoagies and other Philadelphia delicacies, topped off by the excellent cannoli and a lively game of Quizzo.
Boston
The Penn Alumni Club of Boston, proud to be Franklin’s birthplace, celebrated on January 17 with a walking tour of the city that featured visits to the sites of Franklin’s homes and haunts in Colonial Boston. After the tour, club members capped off their celebration with cupcakes.
Guangzhou, China
Ben’s Birthday is a truly global celebration, as shown by members of the Penn Club of Guangzhou. Though located far from Philadelphia, these loyal alumni gathered for a buffet dinner, drinks, and merriment on January 23.
Miami
In Florida, the Penn Club of Miami also celebrated with food and drink at Batch Gastropub. Ben even got his own birthday cake!
Metro NJ
The Penn Club of Metro NJ got the party started early when they met on January 14 at the home of a proud alumnus. Food, drinks, cake and party games were enjoyed by all!
Long Island
Quakers with the Penn Club of Long Island celebrated on January 22 in style with a four course dinner with wine pairings at Ponte Mollo in Great Neck, NY.
A big thank you to all Alumni Clubs who raised a toast to dear old Ben in honor of his 309th Birthday!
Frankly Penn 