PAL Honors Mary Stengel Austen, Peter A. Luukko and Ron Rabena
2013 PAL Award Dinner
L to R: PAL Commanding Officer Lt. Bill Eddis, Ron Rabena, Mary Stengel Austen, Peter A. Luukko, PAL Chair Sylvia Nisenbaum
On May 8th, the Police Athletic League proudly bestowed the PAL Award on three very deserving honorees – Mary Stengel Austen of Tierney, Peter A. Luukko of Comcast-Spectacor and Ron Rabena of AlliedBarton Security Services. These three outstanding individuals were honored for their commitment to and support of PAL through their respective corporations and their personal dedication to philanthropy.
The PAL Silent Auction kicked off the evening’s festivities, where hundreds of supporters swarmed the auction area to bid on high-end items, experiences, vacations, sports memorabilia and more.
Hosted by 6ABC’s Rick Williams, the program included speakers such as Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey as well as each of the honorees. Several PAL youngsters also took the stage to share their experiences in PAL and the impact their involvement has had on their personal and academic success. The program concluded with an exciting Live Auction, hosted by Comcast SportsNet’s Michael Barkann, in which guests bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
PAL thanks everyone who made the 2013 PAL Award Dinner so special for the honorees and for those in attendance, especially Presenting Sponsor Verizon Wireless. Proceeds from the event directly support PAL’s educational, athletic, recreational and cultural programming.
BOMA Cops Helping Kids Day 2013
Record-Breaking Totals Raised at BOMA Cops Helping Kids Day
Officer Cruz with PAL volunteer
Though the weather did not cooperate on April 12, 2013, friends of PAL showed their support through high levels of participation in BOMA Cops Helping Kids Day. This event has grown tremendously over the past five years, raising more than $39,000 in 2013.
PAL Board Members, officers, staff and volunteers were prominently stationed in the lobby of twenty-seven office buildings in Center City, raising crucial funds and promoting awareness of PAL’s mission of “Cops Helping Kids.”
Officer Rehr with PAL Chair Sylvia Nisenbaum
PAL greatly appreciates leadership of Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) members Ron Rabena, Division President of National Security Operations at Allied Barton Security Services and Dave Campoli, Vice President of Commonwealth REIT / Reit Management Research, LLC to secure building space and volunteers.
PAL thanks BOMA and all volunteers for their help and dedication to keeping PAL programming free to all youth.
Penn Dental Medicine Night at Lighthouse PAL
All Smiles at Lighthouse PAL with Penn Dental Medicine
PAL youngster learning how to brush properly
Penn Dental Medicine student examines Lighthouse PAL youngster
University of Pennsylvania Dental Medicine students made a special trip to Lighthouse PAL on April 11th. The newest PAL center in the West Kensington section of Philadelphia was jazzed to host Penn Dental Medicine Night as their first event. More than 25 youngsters received free dental screenings and learned proper hygiene techniques.
Each participant received a status report card and goodie bag with a brand new toothbrush, toothpaste, hygiene information and healthy snacks. Penn students spoke to every PAL youngster about the importance of dental hygiene and how to brush and floss correctly. Children were able to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques on friendly fish and dragon puppets.
PAL thanks Penn Dental Medicine students for turning this valuable information into a fun night for PAL youngsters!
2013 Stradley Ronon 24 Math Challenge
Stradley Ronon 24 Math Challenge Adds Up to a Fun Event
Harrowgate PAL member playing at the final competition
More than 200 young mathematicians from across the City participated in PAL’s annual Stradley Ronon 24 Math Challenge. After months of practice, fifth through eighth grade players geared up for two regionals and a final competition at Tacony PAL on April 4, 2013. This year’s final event was extra special with entertainment by DJ RillStar from Northeast Philadelphia.
First, second and third place winners were rewarded with plaques and special gifts. All finalists received medals and shirts for their outstanding achievements. Congratulations to first place winners Willie from North Penn PAL (5th grade), Igli from Rizzo PAL (6th grade), Khayla from Point Breeze PAL (7th grade) and Quay from Point Breeze PAL (8th grade) who scored an astounding 274 points!
7th grade champions with PAL staff and PAL Board member Mark Dorval
The Stradley Ronon 24 Math Challenge is not just a fun head-to-head battle of speed and problem solving; participants practice mental math while becoming more confident in their abilities as a student. The game is used as a tool in classrooms throughout the country to make math fun for all students.
PAL thanks Board Member Mark Dorval and Stradley Ronon for volunteer support and their continued commitment to Philadelphia youth.
Cozen Prom Boutique 2013
The Racks are Back at Cozen PAL
P/O Jennings with Cozen PAL member
On March 12, 2013, 175 young ladies shopped the night away at the 5th annual Cozen Prom Boutique. The event has grown every year and has evolved into a favorite PAL tradition for girls getting ready for the spring dance and graduation season.
For months, PAL supporters have been collecting formal attire, shoes and accessories for this extraordinary event. Efforts were lead by event founder Nancy Rounbehler of Cozen O’Connor and Linda Wert from Archbishop Carroll High School. Donated suits and menswear were also collected and made available to the young men of PAL in need.
Getting made up by Blue Mercury make up artists
Volunteers from Independence Blue Cross Blue Crew, Archbishop Carroll, Cozen O’Connor, Temple University and City Year helped the young ladies find beautiful dressed, accessories and shoes for their special night. Makeup artists from Blue Mercury taught the girls how to apply makeup that compliments their dress selection and skin type. Each PAL participant received a new makeup and brush kit to bring home.
PAL thanks Nancy, Linda and all volunteers and donors for another successful Cozen Prom Boutique!
Ice Skating at Penn’s 1923 Arena
Winter Fun Winds Down
Hundreds of excited PAL children and teens gracefully glided through the night during one last evening of winter fun at Penn’s Class of 1923 Arena. Youngsters from across the City of Philadelphia enjoyed a special ice-skating experience, courtesy of Coca-Cola and the University of Pennsylvania. Children of all ages were provided with skates, three hours of ice-time and refreshments.
The arena was filled with excitement and joy as members from all PAL centers came together at Penn’s historic rink. While many of the youngsters were nervous as they first tip-toed onto the ice, within a few minutes, dozens of children were effortlessly zipping around the rink, smiling, laughing and having fun in the company of their friends and PAL officers. Some of the younger children who hadn’t skated before didn’t want to miss out on the thrill, despite not knowing how to skate, and used safety cones for balance as volunteers taught them how to push-off and slide around.
PAL thanks Penn and Coca-Cola for their work toward PAL’s mission of “Cops Helping Kids” by keeping children and teens safe and involved in constructive programming.
PAL Reading Program Celebration 2013
PAL Youngsters Celebrate Reading at Temple
Reading Program participants with Temple cheerleader
95 PAL youngsters from across the City have spent the past two months falling in love with reading. After completing four book reports, Reading Program participants were rewarded with a celebration at Temple University on February 28th.
To kick off the program, PAL centers received new books to add to their libraries. Each participant was required to read four books, though many avid readers far exceeded that goal. Due to their literacy achievements, the young bookworms were treated to a fun night at a Temple Men’s Basketball game.
Young PAL readers with Temple Football player
Attendees had dinner with Temple Football players, cheerleaders, dancers and Hooter T. Owl while listening to inspiring messages from Temple University’s Coach Rhule and President Theobald.
PAL thanks Athole G. Jacobi, M.D. for sponsoring such a fun and worthwhile program.
