The Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council announced that its 39th annual All Star Labor Classic is Sunday, April 13, at Holy Family University. The event is the Trades’ signature fundraiser and showcases the region’s best senior year male and female high school basketball talents in competition.
The Building & Construction Trades Council also announced the renewal of its partnership with The Superhero Project Inc. as the official charity partner for the 2025 Classic. The nonprofit provides “Angel Eye Cameras” to Neonatal Intensive Care Units, enabling parents to see their hospitalized babies remotely through cell phones or laptops. The technology offers an emotional connection for families unable to be at their baby’s bedside. Additionally the nonprofit has family-centric programs so that all mothers, fathers and caregivers feel they’re part of a community during a difficult period in their lives.
The Trades’ commitment to The Superhero Project is personal. Kelly Ross, the Building Trades’ longtime office manager, and her husband, Ryan, are parents to three children born prematurely: their eldest daughter, Lacey, and twin sons, Miles and Cole. Born at just 29 weeks gestation in 2022, the twins spent 54 days in the Holy Redeemer Hospital NICU. The “Angel Eye Cameras,” provided by The Superhero Project, allowed Kelly and Ryan to stay connected to their boys even when they couldn’t physically be at their bedside.
“Kelly Ross is more than a trusted colleague — she’s family to us,” said Business Manager Ryan Boyer. “When we learned about her experience and the life-changing work of The Superhero Project, we knew this was a cause we wanted to champion. It’s a privilege to support an organization that brings hope and connection to families during their most vulnerable moments.”
In 2024, the Building Trades set an ambitious goal to raise $200,000 for The Superhero Project through the All Star Labor Classic. They exceeded expectations, raising a record-breaking $207,050 — the largest single donation the nonprofit has ever received. The Council is determined to surpass the achievement in 2025.
Note: The All Star Labor Classic Player Selection Committee is accepting nominations for the boys and girls all-star squads. Submit the senior high school basketball players’ name, school, position, statistics and contact information to phillylaborclassic@gmail.com. All participating players will receive a $500 college scholarship award. ••
