Rittenhouse Sq Resident Honored As 'Santander Community QB'

Andrea Contigiani (Right) of Philadelphia was recognized for his incredible work in the community at Sunday’s Eagles game as an honoree in the inaugural ‘Santander Community Quarterback’ program. Santander Bank and the Philadelphia Eagles created this program to honor exceptional individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication and commitment to improving their communities. Throughout the season, 10 winners will be selected by a panel of judges made up of representatives from Santander and the Eagles.

Contigiani, a PhD student at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and resident of Philadelphia, has been making a positive impact on the Philadelphia community through his organization Philly Open Soccer, which provides afterschool sports programs to local children. When he first moved from Italy to study at UPenn, he noticed the kindness of the Philadelphia community. Inspired by what the community was giving them, Contigiani and fellow UPenn students decided that they wanted to do something in return. A passion for soccer and an awareness of the needs of students in lower-income areas of the city prompted the group to partner with the University’s Netter Center and start an afterschool soccer program that teaches Philadelphia youth soccer skills, along with teambuilding and leadership development during weekly afterschool sessions.

Now in its third year, Philly Open Soccer is working to expand its education and soccer enrichment programs and serve new segments. The group introduced a new program in Northeast Philadelphia, working with HIAS Pennsylvania to provide soccer sessions to refugee children. Contigiani and his teammates also held an event to welcome refugees who have recently settled in the Philadelphia area. Contigiani’s organization is currently working to transition from a student group to a registered nonprofit, to ensure the program remains a resource for the community.

As a winner, Contigiani received $1,000 for the local nonprofit organization of his choice and a VIP experience at the Eagles home game versus Chicago, which included the chance to watch the game in the Santander Field Club, located in the end zone at Lincoln Financial Field. At the end of the season, fans will have the opportunity to vote for one of three finalists to be named the Top Community Quarterback. The winner will receive an additional $4,000 to donate to a local nonprofit of his or her choice.

The Eagles and Santander are committed to recognizing outstanding individuals and deeply respect the people who make the Greater Philadelphia region a better place. Nominations are open now through November 27, 2017 and fans will have the opportunity vote for the Top Community Quarterback from December 6th through 15th. For more information or to nominate an outstanding individual you know, please visit: www.santanderbank.com/CommunityQB.

Santander is the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Contact: Sarah Rich, Elevate Communications, 617-861-3658, srich@elevatecom.com

Santander Community Quarterback Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF DELAWARE, NEW JERSEY AND PENNSYLVANIA, 18 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes Dates: August 21 – November 27, 2017. For official rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit www.santanderbank.com/CommunityQB. Sponsors: Santander Bank, N.A., 75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109 and Philadelphia Eagles, LLC, NovaCare Complex, One NovaCare Way, Philadelphia, PA 19145.

Santander Bank, N.A. is one of the country’s largest retail and commercial banks with more than $79 billion in assets. With its corporate offices in Boston, the Bank’s 9,700 employees, more than 650 branches, 2,100 ATMs and 2.1 million customers are principally located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madrid-based Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) - one of the most respected banking groups in the world with more than 125 million customers in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. It is managed by Santander Holdings USA, Inc., Banco Santander’s intermediate holding company in the U.S. For more information on Santander Bank, please visit www.santanderbank.com.