The 2026 PAL Awards Gala on June 2 will be an elegant evening celebrating leadership, service, and community impact in Philadelphia. This signature fundraising event brings together civic and business leaders, educators, advocates, and other supporters committed to empowering youth, strengthening families, and building safer, more connected communities through PAL’s mission.

The 2026 PAL Awards Gala features a cocktail hour, brief awards program, buffet dining, and silent and live auctions. The program honors three community leaders who have made a lasting difference in the lives of young people and the broader community, and a PAL officer whose work has impacted young people directly. Funds raised during the evening directly support PAL’s youth development, education, and community-based programs, ensuring continued access to safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities for growth across the city.

2026 PAL Award recipients:

Hallee Adelman, documentary filmmaker, children’s author, and educator honored as an advocate for youth, inspiring and empowering young people

Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, recognized for advancing health, wellness, and equity for children and families

Ray Pennacchia, Senior Vice President, Select Medical Outpatient Division of Novacare, and longtime PAL Board member celebrated for longstanding commitment to community service and public safety

Officer Joseph Ellerby, a 35 year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, is the 2026 Lew Klein PAL Officer of the Year.

Together, these honorees embody the PAL values of service, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Philadelphia’s youth. The 2026 PAL Awards Gala is a celebration of impact and a call to action, inspiring continued investment in programs that help young people thrive.