Philly Spotlight – OIC of America: SHOW OFF YOUR PURSE -N- ALITY

I got a tweet from Philly PR Girl inviting me to check out a Pre-Event Pop Up Happy Hour to draw attention to an upcoming fundraiser for OIC of America.
The happy hour was held at Fratelli’s Italian Bistro (1339 Chestnut Street). I have yet to dine here, but you can read a write-up on the South Philly Review:

Phyllis Stein-Novack Italian Bistro Review SPR

The fundraising event being promoted at this pre-event is called Show Off Your Purse- N- ality (click for more info and to purchase tix ) to be held February 7, 2015 (3-6pm) at the Marriott Philadelphia. The event is a designer purse auction (live and silent) with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, door prizes and fun! Sounds like an event for the ladies, but fellas… a) hot women love designer bags. b) the event takes place a week before Valentine’s Day, so if you’re not single, you can shop for your lady! All proceeds benefit OIC of America.

Center Anthony L. Ross with his color of money team

I got a chance to chat with Anthony L. Ross, President & CEO of OIC of America an organization which is about providing quality education, training, employment, and housing services through a national network of local affiliated organizations for those unemployed and underemployed. Tony mentioned the evening is a way to celebrate female empowerment and will include special guests like Fashion Entrepreneur Tori Soudan.

T&T: What new partnerships has the organization recently established?

ROSS: Right now we’re working on an energy council. There’s a lot of opportunities in the energy industry. They’re gonna lose about 100,000 people over the next 5 years as folks retire – Line Men, Electrical Workers… and they need to replace those workers; so, we are partnering with them to train people to fill those jobs. These jobs are really important because they pay a living wage and they’re not going to be outsourced. The electric and gas company is staying in Philadelphia.

T&T: What should people do who hear about your services and want to know more?

ROSS: Visit our website www.oicofamerica.org. We provide opportunities to teen moms, citizens returning from the criminal justice system, individuals with disabilities, those that are the hardest to serve.

It was also great meeting Kate Marlys CEO of Philly PR Girl and her staff, in person. We’ve been following each other on social media for at least 2 years, but never met until this event. Pictured below in tweet: Jennelle Nicole Marketing Director for OIC of America and Kate Marlys. (Note: tweet will not be visible to those receiving Tinsel & Tine via RSS Feed).

Networking at @OICAmerica @Philly_PR_Girl Pop Up Happy Hour at Fratelli’s Italian Bistro on Chestnut St. pic.twitter.com/sjc3RwF1TE
— Tinsel & Tine (@tinseltine) January 23, 2015