The
Palermo Foundation started with the late Frank "Froggy" Palermo
and Attorney James Palermo, who began something very special
in 1991. These men inspired a family to begin what today is nothing
short of miraculous. What started as a small fund raising idea
for our beloved Froggy, has grown into the Palermo Heart-to-Heart
Foundation.
Since
that initial fundraising event, we have raised more than $40,000
dollars and awarded more than 30 recipients.
Since the inception of
our organization, our tradition was to randomly select
individuals or organizations and present cash donations. We tried
to help individuals who were in need and support organizations
that reached out to help others.
However, in 2002 a family
member was suffering with cancer and her prognosis was extremely
poor. In response to this family tragedy, we arranged a trip
to Disney World for both her and her family.
This fulfilled a life
long dream and provided something positive to look forward
to during the most difficult of times. This trip brought great
joy to the family and we believe that it played an important role
in extending the life of this young lady.
Following this incident,
our committee began to discuss ways in which we could make
a difference in the lives of others. We believed that if we could
help fulfill someone’s
dream that it would make a difference in his or her life.
This
was the beginning of the Palermo Heart-to-Heart Foundation.
In
our first year of fundraising efforts we were met with an overwhelming
amount of support. This support allowed a sick little nine-year
old boy and his family to go on a trip to Disney World. It is
witnessing the absolute joy that this gift brought to this young
boy that drives the efforts of our committee members and volunteers.
We believe that there is no greater reward than working hard to
make a difference in the life of another individual.
Today a Board of Directors consisting of close
family members oversees the foundation and its fundraising
initiatives
along
with the selection of individuals who are ill and in most cases
young children suffering from cancer. The members are joined
by additional volunteers who contribute time, efforts and donations,
both large and small, in hope that victims will become survivors,
and that the disease that claims so many of our loved ones, will
devastate no more.
Foundation Board of Directors
Executives
David
Palermo, President - dpalermo@pahouse.net
Robert Palermo, Vice President - bpal@epix.net
George Joseph, Secretary/ Treasurer - gvjoseph@ptd.net
Directors
Jim Joseph, Foundation Director
Tim Joseph, Foundation Director
Rob Palermo, Foundation Director
Jerry Palermo, Foundation Director Golf Committee Members
Michael Joseph, Associate Member
Honorary Member Peter Bottley |