ANGELO’S COURTS: The Police Athletic League of Kansas City (PAL) now has two brand-new pickleball courts, thanks to the wish and hard work of two of its biggest supporters.
With the courts, PAL kids will now be able to play America’s fastest-growing sport at the PAL Center, located at 1801 White Ave.
Kansas City resident Salli Katz spearheaded the fundraising effort to create the courts, raising $70,000 through personal donations and corporate partnerships.
About five years ago, Katz and her boyfriend Angelo Fiataruolo toured the facility and fell in love with PAL. It spoke to Fiataruolo because he could relate to it, thinking of his childhood. During the pandemic, Fiataruolo got sick and died in the hospital alone. Before he passed away, Fiataruolo asked Katz to honor his final wish “to do something special for PAL.”
Fiataruolo and Katz loved to play pickleball. So in Fiataruolo’s memory and for the love of the PAL program, Katz and her friends raised money to build two pickleball courts for PAL.
Speaking of the PAL program, Katz said to friends and family at the dedication, “This building isn’t made of brick and mortar. It’s made of heart.”
The mission of the Police Athletic League of Kansas City is to offer youth the opportunity to interact with police officers in a positive setting while participating in cultural, mentoring, and sports programs, with the main emphasis on academics.
The Police Athletic League of Kansas City serves hundreds of kids each month. A team of two Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department officers, two sergeants and a captain tend to the children’s needs.
A huge thank you to Academy Sports & Outdoors for the incredible things they do for PAL and the kids we serve. Most recently, they hosted a “Shop with a Cop” night for PAL and provided 25 $100 gift cards for our kids as well as a $2,500 donation to our team! The kids had a blast shopping and we’re so grateful to have such strong support from Academy Sports & Outdoors.
Hundreds of kids had a great night at the PAL Back to School event on August 5. A steady stream of families came through the PAL Center to get ready for a new school year. Approximately 200 elementary, 50 middle school and 75 high school students enjoyed pizza, ice cream, games, face painting, and nail painting while getting books from the mobile library, free haircuts, sports physicals, and school supplies.
Recruiters from Academy
Elementary were there to chat with families and high schoolers got to meet with
PAL board member, Coach Bill O’Connor. He was on-hand to help them with post-high
school plans such as college, vocational training or job placement. About 60 volunteers
helped manage the various activities and made sure everyone had a good time and
got what they needed to start school on a positive note. It was a fun, successful
night and we appreciate everyone who made it possible!
PAL hosted a fun and informational Field Day on July 29. Representatives from several different divisions of the Kansas City Police Department were on-site to visit with the kids. It was a great opportunity for learning and making new friends. Thanks to everyone who participated and made it a cool event!
