2025 Dare to Understand® Awards Ceremony: Stand Tall
Honoring Britain Covey
May 15th, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel
View 2025 Dare to Understand Awards Ceremony
britain covey
Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver and Punt Returner, 2025 Super Bowl Champion, Beloved and Devoted Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Was presented with the 2025 Dare to Understand® Award
The spirit of unity, faith, and mutual understanding filled the sanctuary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Philadelphia during Interfaith Philadelphia’s annual Dare to Understand Awards ceremony.
The evening honored former Philadelphia Eagles Punt Returner Britain Covey, who joined virtually from Los Angeles. In a heartfelt message, Covey reflected on the importance of standing tall in his faith. We were also honored to hear from Eagles Tackle Laekin Vakalahi, whose words resonated deeply as he shared how his faith continues to shape and strengthen his journey in the NFL.
The program began with a beautiful prayer offered by Zoey Olson, a Youth Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, setting a meaningful and reverent tone for the night.
Rev. Joyce Shin, Ph.D., Chair of Interfaith Philadelphia’s Board of Directors, welcomed guests with warmth and grace, while Kate Sookoo, Board Member and our event host, brought warmth and connection to the evening. She also offered a thoughtful introduction of Laekin Vakalahi, drawing connections between his story and the broader themes of the night.
The ceremony was further enriched by words of inspiration from Reverend Cedric Hughes Jones, Jr., Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Philadelphia, who reminded us of the power of faith and community in action.
The evening concluded with uplifting closing remarks from Abby Stamelman Hocky, Executive Director of Interfaith Philadelphia, who reflected on the continued importance of building bridges across lines of difference—especially in today’s world.
Sponsors:Thank you for your support!
Trailblazer
$25,000+
Bruce and Nancy Winn
Change-Maker
$15,000
William and Debbie Becker
Innovator
$10,000
Margaret Barry and Jeffrey Abrams
Bridge-Builder
$5,000
Jon and Rabbi Carol Harris-Shapiro
Sharon Parker
Abby Stamelman Hocky and Eric Hocky
Steven and Tamra Zebovitz
Friend
$2,500
Anonymous
Carol Avins and Rayman Solomon
Len and Ellan Bernstein
Rev. Richard Fernandez and Eloise Chevrier
Carrie Gish and Marc Rockford
David and Betsy Wice
Julie Dill Williams
Sustainer
$1,000
Al Aqsa Islamic Society
Anonymous
Dr. Tiffenia Archie
Arch Street Presbyterian Church
Richard and Eileen Bazelon
Ed Beckett
Barbra Berley-Mellits and Bart Mellits
Cecily Carel
Rev. Carolyn Cavaness
Elizabeth and David Cohen
Krista Dedrick Lai and Terry Lai
Jason and Angela Duckworth
Beth and John Dugan
Vance and John Fernandez
Rev. Jesse and Allen Garner
Jacqui and David Griffith
Dr. Charmaine Green
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Jeff Pasek
Rabbi Richard and Barbara Hirsh
Seth Kreimer and Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer
Arlene Lauf, Ph.D and Marc Goldstein, M.D.
Ken Kolodziej and Anne Hagele
Robert and Holly Lankin
Gary and Lynn Laurino
Rabbi Jill Maderer
William and Linda Madway
Andrea and Dr. Jay Malamut
Dr. Kelly and Mathew McClure
Linda and H. Laddie Montague
Elizabeth Pincus Rubin and Bruce D. Rubin
Ashley Rivera
Dr. Moji Saberin
Ejaz Sabir
Rev. Dr. Joyce Shin and Dr. Michael David
Sookhoo Family
Rabbi David Straus and Lynne Breslau
Jonathan Shahar
Randi Siegel Harris and John Harris
Sally and Lawrence Silverman
Cynthia Stewart and George Deming
Elizabeth Weiler and James Shanahan
About the Dare to Understand® Award
Interfaith Philadelphia’s Dare to Understand® Award honors individuals, communities, and businesses of distinction that have championed the work of interfaith engagement and understanding across lines of difference.
Awardees lead their communities by example, demonstrating humility, curiosity, and respect, qualities imperative in interfaith work.
Dare to Understand Award Past Recipients
Questions? Need Additional Information?
For more information about this event, please contact Sara Zebovitz using the contact details found here.
