PAL Awards Gala 2025

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Thank You for Making the 2025 PAL Awards Gala a Night to Remember!

Our 57th Annual PAL Awards Gala took place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and was a smashing success!

Together, more than 450 guests joined us in person, and many more gave online, helping us raise nearly $900,000 to support the safe, fun FREE programs PAL offers to more than 5,000 Philadelphia youth after-school and during the summer.

We were proud to recognize four individuals whose commitment to community, service, and youth mentorship reflects the very best of what PAL stands for. Their stories moved us and reminded us of the power of investing in young lives. Click the image to see their full tribute video.

Advocate Sponsors

HONOREES

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Ryan N. Boyer Sr.

Business Manager, Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council & Laborers' District Council

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Sheila Hess

Former Philadelphia City Representative

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Timothy J. Abell

CEO and President, Firstrust Bank

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Lew Klein PAL Officer of the Year

Officer Jackie Little, Wynnefield PAL

From the moment our PAL Angels cheerleaders welcomed Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to the stage, the night was filled with meaning. Her inspiring words, along with personal reflections from Commissioner Kevin who gave a touching tribute to his mother and his own experiences as a PAL kid and the importance of PAL today.

Aaron Foy, a proud PAL alum and current Ursinus College student, served as our emcee for the evening. With sincerity and heart, he guided the program, sharing his own story and honoring Officer Jackie Little, his former PAL officer and mentor, with the Officer of the Year Award.

Aaron also helped uplift the voices of the PAL youth who took the stage; De’Nazia from 24th PAL, Sufyaan from Ford PAL, DayShawn from Strawberry Mansion PAL, and Mia a cheerleader from 26th PAL, each of whom brought their unique perspective and personal connection to PAL while introducing our deserving honorees. Their stories reminded us all why PAL’s mission matters.

A huge thank you to all of our PAL kids who served as ushers and volunteers, and to the dedicated officers who guide and support them every day. Your presence helped bring this event to life, and we’re so proud to have honored each of you as part of this powerful tribute to our community.

However, none of this would be possible without all of you! Thank you to all of our generous sponsors, partners, and friends who made the 2025 PAL Awards Gala possible. Your belief in PAL’s mission and your investment in our youth fuel everything we do. You help create safe spaces, trusted relationships, and real opportunities for kids to grow, lead, and thrive.

Your support was proudly recognized in our 2025 Tribute Book, a celebration of the collective impact we make when we come together for Philadelphia’s kids.