Overview

Blue Sapphire Award

The Blue Sapphire Award is our annual recognition program designed to celebrate individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving, restoring, and honoring the iconic Philadelphia row home. From thoughtful renovation projects to community-driven initiatives, the Blue Sapphire Award shines a spotlight on efforts that keep Philadelphia’s architectural heritage vibrant.
Blue Sapphire Awards

2024 Blue Sapphire Award Recipients

Mark Rago

Monti-Rago Funeral Home
Local Business Success Story Award

Rev. Joseph Kelley

St. Monica Parish
Leader in Education Award

Wil Hart & The Delfonics

Lifetime Music Achievement Award

Eileen Gargano

Friends of Dickinson Square Park
Edward J. McBride Service

Dan Vanore

The Business
Music Entertainment Award

Tom Nataloni

The Business
Music Entertainment Award

2024 WishRock Award Winner

Gabriella Screnci - RuffRide.org

“Anything is possible if you believe in yourself”

As part of its annual Salute to Service Program, Philadelphia RowHome Magazine presents the Blue Sapphire Award to individuals whose selfless dedication to the City of Philadelphia has left a positive impact for future generations to enjoy. Join us for the annual celebration each November at Cescaphe Event Group’s Vie. For details, be sure to follow us on Facebook and sign up for our newsletter.

Our Blue Sapphire winners appear on the cover of our Fall issue each year. Click each cover below to learn more about our past winners. Blue Sapphire event coverage is featured in every Winter issue of RowHome Magazine.

Nomination Process

Eligibility

Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to sustaining the tradition and character of Philadelphia row homes. This may include homeowners, architects, preservation groups, or neighborhood associations.

Submission

To nominate, simply fill out the form on our website. Include contact details, a brief description of the project or initiative, and any supporting photographs or documentation.

Deadline

Nominations are accepted each year from January 1 to March 31. Make sure to submit your application before the cut-off date to be considered.

Nomination Process

Eligibility

Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to sustaining the tradition and character of Philadelphia row homes. This may include homeowners, architects, preservation groups, or neighborhood associations.

Submission

To nominate, simply fill out the form on our website. Include contact details, a brief description of the project or initiative, and any supporting photographs or documentation.

Deadline

Nominations are accepted each year from January 1 to March 31. Make sure to submit your application before the cut-off date to be considered.

Voting & Selection

Public Voting

Once the nomination period closes, we share all eligible entries on our website. Visitors can cast a single vote per category.

Judging Panel

Our panel of experts, including preservationists, community leaders, and past winners, also evaluates each entry. The judges’ scores and the public votes together determine the finalists.

Winner Announcement

Winners will be announced in a special ceremony, and they will receive an official Blue Sapphire Award plaque as well as a feature in our upcoming publication.

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Celebrate Excellence

We believe in honoring the dedication, vision, and hard work that goes into upholding Philadelphia’s unique row home legacy. The Blue Sapphire Award exemplifies our commitment to supporting efforts that connect our past to our future—one row home at a time.