SEA ISLE CITY – On Sept. 9, the Wawa Market in Sea Isle City marked its 25th Anniversary by hosting a festive celebration inside the company’s Landis Avenue location. The event was highlighted by music, free coffee throughout the day and an appearance by the seven foot tall Wawa mascot, Wally the Goose. Adding to the festivities were words of welcome from several of the company’s upper-managers, as well as appearances by local municipal officials and many of the store’s “key customers,” who each received free gifts.
Following brief speeches by Area Manager Tom Simmons, Director of Store Operations Jim Walz and General Manager Diana Blair, many of the stores employees marched through the building carrying posters with images that commemorated Wawa’s history. Next, Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio stepped to the microphone to read a mayor’s proclamation, which made Sept. 9, 2011, “Wawa Family Day” in Sea Isle City.
After Mayor Desiderio’s proclamation, the Wawa employees then presented a check for $93,349 to the Ensign John R. Elliot Hero Campaign to help prevent drunk driving. Accepting the donation was John Elliott, Sr., father of the United States Naval Academy graduate who was killed while driving home to New Jersey in 2000.
Before the celebration was brought to a close, everyone inside the store was invited to enjoy free coffee and snacks before dancing in a long conga-line, which stretched throughout the building.
“This is typically how we celebrate what we call Wawa-versaries,” said Wawa’s Culture and Events Manager Christine McCarthy, who emceed the party. “We celebrate approximately 50 anniversaries like this each year and also other types of milestones. We have found that there are three important components that make these events successful: engaging the associates, honoring our customers as members of our Wawa family, and recognizing local charities. Fun is a big part of our business, and these celebrations are a fabulous way to bring the community together.”
Fun Fact: The word “Wawa” is a Native American translation for “Canada Goose,” which is indigenous to the Delaware Valley (home base of Wawa Markets).
