Yonkers Comes Out to Support PAL at Luncheon at Empire City

Despite the difficult economic times, the Yonkers community came out to fill the ballroom at Empire City to support the Yonkers Police Athletic League (PAL) at their annual luncheon held last week. The Yonkers PAL has faced cuts to their budget over the past year, losing city funding for police officers to work at the PAL. Since that time the PAL, through Chairman Angelo Martinelli and a hard working board, has been working feverishly in an attempt to raise funds to keep PAL as an important safety net in Yonkers for young adults.

Martinelli, former Yonkers mayor, was at his best at the luncheon, urging the crowd to help the PAL. “We are here to help keep the PAL alive, and your attendance today shows how Yonkers cares,” said Martinelli, who remembered three PAL board members lost over the past year: Mike D’Ambrosio, Sidney Sloves and Iris Walshin.

“Iris did so much for the PAL that our recreation center is named in her honor. Sidney always said ‘yes’ when asked to help, and Mike dedicated his life to the PAL. They will be missed.”

The winners of the PAL poster contest — Reina Mendez and Edward Curry — were on hand to receive their PAL jackets. Three students from Sacred Heart HS in Yonkers, Megan Matill, Daniel Salliente and Elizabeth Folinsky, accepted scholarships from the PAL for their outstanding student performance.

The two PAL honorees were Mayor Phil Amicone and Sal Corrente, boxing coach and PAL director. Martinelli called Amicone “the perfect mayor for the people of Yonkers during these difficult times.”
Amicone, the PAL’s man of the year, said, “Due to the unfortunate cuts that we had to make, so many people in Yonkers have stepped up to fill the void and help with programs, and be here today. I had no doubt that the PAL wouldn’t die because it’s so important to parents working late. The PAL is vital to the survival of our city and the people of Yonkers always step up to make a difference in children’s lives.”

In attendance were former N.Y. Giants, including George Martin, District Attorney Janet DiFiore, City Council President Chuck Lesnick, Police Commissioner Ed Hartnett, City Chief Judge Michael Martinelli, County Legislator Jose Alvarado, Councilwoman Sandy Annabi and hundreds of others.

The PAL also accepted checks from Assemblyman Mike Spano for $15,000 (with Mike’s father Len Spano delivering the check) and Hudson Valley Bank for $5,000, with James Landy, president of Hudson Valley Bank, at the luncheon.

With help, the PAL is continuing its programs for Yonkers kids. For more information about the PAL or ways to keep this crucial Yonkers program alive, call 914-377-7297.