On September 5, 2019, the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) hosted their fourth annual World Heritage City Celebration, which honors the progress made in carrying out Philadelphia’s World Heritage Strategic Plan. The dinner took place at the Crystal Tea Room. In 2015, Philadelphia became the first World Heritage City in the United States, joining a network of over 300 World Heritage Cities across the globe. The evening honored Vernon Odom, retired Philadelphia TV journalist from 6abc.