Cops’ ‘PALing around’ program gets $125K boost from volunteers

Look at the folks having fun at this year’s Police Activities League Auction, as they raise fun as well as funds ‚Ķ

DJ Steve Andersen spun tunes while Patricia Peneyck, Debra Monk Terri Baker checked folks in to the “Blast from the Past” auction for PAL on May 13.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We expect cops to bust the crooks, and hold criminals at bay. It’s their job.

But do you know that Portland Police Bureau officers volunteer their time, working with more than 3,500 youth each year, to help them stay on the straight-and-narrow?

If you haven’t heard about the Police Activities League (PAL) of Greater Portland, PAL’s development director, Megan Jolly, is happy to fill you in: “This is a crime- prevention program that hooks police officers up with youth through academics and supports. It gives the kids mentors, and positive after-school programs.”

While none of the cops get paid for this, it does cost money to house the program, provide transportation to and from events, and buy supplies for the PAL programs.

Bill Bitar, Frank Bitar & Associates, with wife and friends, checking to see how much his bids were raised.

Hippies invade the Sheraton Airport
“That’s why we hold the annual auction,” Jolly filled us in. “If you notice a distinct ‘hippie’ look around here, it’s because the theme of our 10th auction is ‘A Blast from the Past.'”

More than 285 people came to the Sheraton Airport to bid on a silent and live auction, enjoy a dinner – and, in the process, raise $125,000 for PAL.

“It is a great outreach for us,” Jolly said, asking that we mention that Safeway was a major sponsor this year. OK, we did!

You can help
Want to help? Contact www.palkids.org, or (503) 823-0250. “We’re always looking for good volunteers,” Jolly added.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

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