Lemoore Police Athletic League gets big boost from Warkentin Memorial Tourney

Hence the Police Athletic League, and the support of a bunch of golfers and dedicated citizens who took it upon themselves to put together a key fundraiser for the PAL, while at the same time honoring their friend, who was also a rabid supporter of the program before he passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, shortly after retiring from West Hills College Lemoore.

As golfers and others munched on Harris Ranch donated prime rib, Lemoore Police Chief and Sgt. Jim Chaney, both of whom have been key supporters of Lemoore’s program, spoke of the importance of and the reasons for establishing a PAL program in Lemoore. Smith is the PAL board president while Chaney serves as the vice president.

In the end it really didn’t matter who won the golf tournament because the top three winning teams, in what can only be described as a very generous gesture, opted to donate their winnings back to the PAL program.

The hungry crowd, after consuming dinner, also danced the night way, despite unseasonably cool weather and a strong brisk breeze that threatened to blow table top settings away. But in the spirit of the memorial, all those in attendance continued to dance the night away to the sounds of the Cadillac Cowboys.

One of the highlights of the evening occurred when Lemoore City Councilman Ray Madrigal, on behalf of Rep. David Valadao, presented a plaque to Betty Warkentin commemorating the insertion of Don Warkentin’s name into the Congressional Record.

The PAL program is simple. Surround at-risk kids with positive influences from responsible adults and police officers who volunteer their time to work with young people, and kids will develop self-confidence, self-esteem, civic engagement, academic achievement and ultimately will become productive members of their community.

Police Athletic Leagues are nationally-recognized programs that get young kids off the streets and into constructive situations. The first PAL was started in 1917 by New York City Police Lt. Ed Flynn who recognized that the youth hanging out on the street corners were craving structure and guidance.

As the success of the PAL concept spread, PAL programs developed in other communities. Today, there are over 400 PAL Member Chapters in law enforcement agencies servicing over 700 cities and 1,700 facilities throughout the United States, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving more than one million youth, ages 5 to 18.

The Lemoore PAL program currently has its own space in the Lemoore Cinnamon Recreation Complex.

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