Wawa Announces 4 Hero Award Finalists
The winner will be chosen by public vote and receive a $50,000 grant.
Jun 16, 2026
The Wawa Foundation recently announced the 2026 finalists for its “The Wawa Foundation Hero Award” after receiving a “record-breaking” 500 submissions. The Wawa Foundation Hero Award is given to a non-profit organization serving the greater Philadelphia area that assists others and builds stronger communities through preserving independence, protecting safety and mentoring and inspiring youth.
The four finalists are:
- Inspiring Minds of Greater Philadelphia
- Philadelphia City Rowing
- Safe-Hub Philadelphia
- Urban Youth Racing School Inc.
Wawa said the winner will be chosen by public vote on The Wawa Foundation’s website from June 12 to June 26. The organization receiving the most votes will be presented to The Wawa Foundation Hero Award Panel for final approval.
Launched during Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America festivities, The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be presented at the Salute to Service Ceremony on Thursday, July 2 on Independence Mall. The recipient of The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will receive a $50,000 grant, and the three runners up will each receive $10,000 grants.
“We are thrilled with the four finalists for The Wawa Foundation Hero Award and delighted to shine a light on the important work they’re doing in the community,” said Liz Simeone, president, The Wawa Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating their stories at the Salute to Service ceremony on July 2nd when we reveal the winner with a $50,000 grant to help these organizations continue helping others in the community.”
In other recent Wawa news, the retailer is continuing its Pennsylvania expansion plan. The company has begun progress on building 40 more stores in the state over the next couple of years.
