
Philadelphians fill Wachovia Center to help raise awareness of celiac disease
A crowd of 1,200 gathered at the Wachovia Center on
Wednesday, September 30th to celebrate the gluten-free lifestyle during the 6th annual Appetite for Awareness event. Hosted by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) and title sponsor Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals, the event honoring
John Binswanger and his family raised over $300,000 to support the organization’s national awareness campaign and programming.

Over thirty of Philadelphia’s best restaurants participated in the event, which featured an entirely gluten-free menu. The festivities were a special treat for guests with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder treated only through a gluten-free diet, eliminating foods
containing wheat, barley and rye. Current estimates suggest the disease affects about 3 million Americans, yet over 95% live without a diagnosis.
Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider, who is a member of the NFCA Board of Directors, generously donated the Wachovia Center facility, which has been home to Appetite for Awareness event since 2008. Read More »