About Billy Penn Assists

Billy Penn is a non-profit organization funded by individual donors and corporations who wish to invest in the future of economically disadvantaged children from the Philadelphia area.

In the years to come we hope to have an impact on hundreds of area kids by offering application-based support through need-based aid, lunch programs, medical assistance and educational scholarships.

William Penn, the founder of the State of Pennsylvania, was an early advocate of religious freedom and democracy. Under his direction, the city of Philadelphia was planned and developed.

Years later in 1894, a bronze statue was placed atop City Hall in Philadelphia and the statue represented the highest point in the city since City Hall was then the tallest building in Philadelphia. There was an agreement made that no building would be taller than the “brim of Billy Penn’s hat”, said urban designer Edmund Bacon.

The agreement existed for nearly 100 years until in 1987, a skyscraper, One Liberty Place, was built in Center City and created a “curse” that lasted until 2008 when a small statue of William Penn was placed atop the Comcast Center.

Months later, the Philadelphia Phillies went on to win the 2008 World Series. In the summer of 2017 when the second Comcast Center was nearing completion another small statue of William Penn was placed at the top of the building, again making William Penn the tallest point in the city, months later the Philadelphia Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl.

As our city continues to grow, and we with it, let’s always strive to be at the top of whatever it is we are perusing. Whether it be in the classroom, in the community or on the basketball court Billy Penn is committed to helping our future generation of Philadelphians be their best self.