Contact: Eve Gelman, Public Relations Manager (215) 794-4018 egelman@peddlersvillage.com

PEDDLER’S VILLAGE RECEIVES 2006 SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY AWARD
Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association Presents Community Service Award to Peddler’s Village

(LAHASKA, Pa.) May 5, 2006…Peddler’s Village is the recipient of the 2006 Spirit of Hospitality Award for Community Service from The Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association.

Peddler’s Village received this prestigious award for From Bucks to the Bayou, a fundraising event for the Bucks-Mont Katrina Relief Project, a community-wide effort to raise money and support for Hancock County, Miss. and its victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Each year, the PTLA presents the Spirit of Hospitality Awards in eight categories to recognize outstanding performance and achievement in the hospitality and tourism industry. The Community Service Award is an award for programs that benefit charities, reflect service to the community or are part of a joint undertaking with a community group for the benefit of the community.

A group representing Peddler’s Village attended the Spirit of Hospitality Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 1, at The Penn Stater Conference Center in State College. Peddler’s Village CEO Chris Leskauskas accepted the award on behalf of the company.

“We produced From Bucks to the Bayou to assist our friends in Bay St. Louis and Waveland, Mississippi and to support our local Bucks-Mont Katrina Relief Project. While the appreciation we received from sharing the event proceeds was immensely satisfying, we were overwhelmed by the recognition we received from the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association in the form of the 2006 Community Service Award. Peddler’s Village has always been dedicated to being an active partner in our community. I am pleased and proud of the contributions of our employees and merchant family to make this event a reality,” said Leskaukas.

Peddler’s Village raised a total of $44,003.99 from the event for the Katrina Relief Project. Peddler’s Village hosted five officials at the event from storm-ravaged Hancock County. More than 350 community members attended the fundraiser and participated in the silent and live auctions. Guests enjoyed the southern cuisine provided by the Village restaurants and entertainment by the Eric Mintel Quartet, the Bob Miles Trio and the Philadelphia Mummers. Peddler’s Village merchants donated more than 100 valuable items and services for the silent and live auctions. Peddler’s Village and their suppliers donated all of the food, drink, the tent and entertainment. Approximately 75 Peddler’s Village staff members and servers donated hundreds of hours of volunteer time to organize and present the event.