On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, hundreds of Police Athletic League (PAL) children, ages five to 12, from PAL After School programs enjoyed a festive holiday party.
The party was filled with entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival games, prizes, music, dancing, gifts, face-painting, bicycle and toy raffles, and a DJ dance party. Held at PAL’s Harlem Center, the Holiday Party was highlighted by a visit from NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, in addition to special guests PAL President Bart Schwartz, New York City Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and members of the NYPD and FDNY.
“I liked the silent DJ disco party the best! I hope to get toys for Christmas, and I can’t wait to see Santa,” said Ryan, 8, PAL participant.
“I was playing in the gym and loved the cotton candy and popcorn. I really want a truck for Christmas!” said Nathan, 5, PAL participant.
“The performers were awesome, especially the PAL staff! I loved the bouncy house,” said Mikayla, 9, PAL participant.
The PAL Holiday Party was hosted by John and Margo Catsimatidis and co-sponsored by Goya Foods, with Ernie Anastos and Dominic Carter serving as emcees for the event. Adding to the joy of the holiday season were performances by the NYPD’s La Jara Band, PAL’s Pathways Drum Corp and Majorettes, PAL’s EBC dancers, and PAL Dance Specialists.
Special thanks to Goya Foods, D’Agostino and Gristede’s Supermarkets for generously donating 450 bags of groceries to the PAL Holiday Party participants. “This is the season for giving, and we are proud to stand with these families,” said Harlem-born John Catsimatidis, PAL Board member. “The Police Athletic League is making sure no child goes hungry, and every child feels supported by a community that cares.”
“For over 40 years, John, Margo, and their friends have come together to really make the holiday season special for our PAL kids, and they never forget it. Some of our staff members were PAL kids from the 80s and 90s, and they look forward to this event every year as adults because they’re having a ‘full circle’ moment. It’s nice to have these faithful donors for this long and we’re grateful for support from WABC, Goya, and BronxCare Health System this year to provide an even bigger event for our kids,” says PAL Executive Director, Carlos Velazquez.
The PAL Annual Holiday Party in Harlem is one of many PAL holiday celebrations throughout the city bringing happiness and toys to thousands of youngsters at PAL centers and police precincts in their own communities. PAL celebrations are made possible by the generosity and holiday spirit of hundreds of caring New Yorkers including John and Margo Catsimatidis.
Founded in 1914, New York City’s Police Athletic League is a nonprofit organization that provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 12,000 children and teens annually.
For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.
Latest Posts
- Los Angeles: Yuletide Cinemaland, A Festive Celebration Of Holiday Spirit
- Sponsored Love: Deck The Halls With Savings, Instacart’s Holiday Cheer Is Here!
- Mayor Adams And Governor Hochul Remove 73,000 Ghost Cars From NYC
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Warns Companies Not To Misrepresent Health Plans
- Governor Hochul Enacts Law Mandating Insurance Coverage For Dyslexia Testing
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
