May 23, 2007 -- On May 23^rd, Asher & Company, Ltd. along with six other businesses at 1845 Walnut Street hosted fourth-grade students from Henry A. Brown Elementary School for the third annual “Visit Our Office Day.”

“Visit Our Office Day” is an educational open house that was developed with the goals of exposing the students to how different businesses operate and the variety of professions available for them to pursue.  Because much of the student body at H.A. Brown Elementary come from less fortunate families, many only have an opportunity to view office buildings from the outside and have no concept of what goes on inside.

Over 70 students participated in the program this year.  The children were separated into teams and were escorted by a teacher or administrator and a company representative for 30 minute visits.  

Participating companies used creativity and hands-on activities to engage the children in the information unique to their businesses and professions. The children had the opportunity to see features unique to each business such as a bank vault and video-conferencing rooms. 

Asher Director Bill Burns states, “As with the past two years, we continued to receive a lot of positive feedback from team leaders and teachers regarding this program. This year’s participating companies went above and beyond to put educational and memorable programs together for the students.  The positive reaction of the teachers and students makes it all worthwhile.”

The participating businesses included: Asher & Company, Ltd., CSS Industries, Inc., Drucker & Scaccetti, PC, TD Banknorth, Jewish Employment Vocational Services, Resource America , Inc., and Savitz Organization. 

Each child received a goody bag filled with items generously donated by each participating company. The Philadelphia Phillies donated Banks/Ryan Howard baseballs for each child and the Flyers organization donated stickers and temporary tattoos.

		Asher's Sean Moynihan and Cyntia Ryans prepare the goody bags for the students.
		H.A. Brown Students arrive in the 1845 Walnut Street lobby.
		Asher Director Bill Burns (l) with H.A. Brown Principal Dawn Moore (c) and Guidance Counselor Robert Cohen (r).
		The Paperclips visit their first business - TD Banknorth.
		Asher's Janie Wallace (l) and Deanna Costas (r) lead a group of students in a game of Asher Bingo.
		A group of students listen to the CSS Industries, Inc. receptionist describe her job duties.
		Students from the Briefcases work with a member of Drucker & Scaccetti, PC.