BEN Around Philly airs every Saturday morning at 7am on 95.7 BEN-FM and is sponsored by The Fillmore Philadelphia.

On this week’s episode, Kristen Herrmann and Kory Aversa talk New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day options for in or near Philadelphia, then Valerie Johnson from Valley Youth House in Philadelphia returns to BEN Around Philly to talk about this year’s Valley Youth House Holiday Gift Drive.

Kory Aversa of Aversa PR returns to the BEN-FM studio to chat with Kristen about his picks for ushering in the new year. The two go over a number of different options, and somehow don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the many spots to celebrate the new year in Philly. Kory’s top pick for a gussied up New Year’s Eve party is the Eyes Wide Shut NYE masquerade party at U-Bahn. His top pick for a casual, but happening night out NYE is Valley Forge Casino Resort’s NYE show with Sublime w/ Rome. Keep an eye on Aversa PR’s website for Kory’s full list of NYE/NYD picks. Visit Philadelphia also put together a great list HERE.

Kristen’s top picks for New Year’s Day in Philly?  The Philadelphia Mummers Fancy Brigade Fest and Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center NYD at both 11:30am and 5pm. Buy tickets HERE . Her top pick for food, drinks, entertainment AND a great (INDOOR) view of the parade? The Kimmel Center’s (FREE) New Year’s Day Open House and especially their Garces Events Broad Street Bash. Have a question about one of the events we mentioned? Feel free to e-mail Kristen at Kristen@957BENFM.com.

Then Valerie Johnson, Assistant Director of Development for Valley Youth House in Philadelphia returns to the show to chat with Kristen about this year’s Holiday Gift Drive. Hear all about this amazing organization, constantly working to help youth experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia and please donate a needed item (or two or three) this holiday season to these deserving youth and this incredible organization. Find more HERE.