Child Deaths Remind Us – Never Leave a Child Alone in a Car

The alarm to parents and caregivers to never leave a child alone in a car sounded louder last week after three more children died in the US... of heatstroke in cars. As summer temperatures reach record highs across the country, these preventable tragedies remind us to be even more vigilant to prevent heatstroke from killing another child. Read the full article by Kate Carr, President and CEO, Safe Kids Worldwide - simply by clicking here. Your Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation reminds you to Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 9-1-1.  Your Police and Fire personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. Your one call could save a child's life. … [Read more...]

The Community-Police Bond… National Night Out

The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department and the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation hosted National Night Out Against Crime on Thursday evening, August 9th at the Municipal Complex. National Night Out is a crime prevention initiative celebrated across the nation. It is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored by local Police agencies. The Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation sponsored a table at the event and helped distribute Crime Prevention materials. The event is seen as promoting a strengthening of the law enforcement-community partnership bond. Among those in attendance were Mayor David Levy and the entire City Council. Fire Chief Peter Bergel, Assistant Chief David DeRita and a nice contingent of volunteer firemen also participated. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as the Community Blood Centers of South Florida were among numerous outside agencies supporting and participating in the event. The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department has received a prestigious “Outstanding Participation Award” from the National Association of Town Watch for each of the last 9 years... and we are hoping last night's event will win them their 10th award as well! … [Read more...]

Photos From Foundation Fundraiser at Brio Tuscan Grill

  On February 16th the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation held a Community Cares Charity Chef Dinner at Brio Tuscan Grille in The Gardens Mall.  They enjoyed  an outstanding menu prepared by Brio Chef Tyson Mutchler and participated in a Charity Auction that paired some outstanding items with some very generous bidders ... the proceeds of which all went to support the programs of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation.  Everyone had a great time - as is evidenced by these photos! Click on any photo to begin a slideshow of the event at that point. … [Read more...]

Two Board of Directors Positions Named

  At its Annual Meeting today the Police Foundation named two executive to new positions. Charles Gusmano, a Board member since 2010 was named as the Foundation's Vice President. Mr. Gusmano, a resident of Palm Beach Gardens, is the Co-founder, President and CEO of Southern Waste Systems and Sun Recycling. With over 28 years of experience in the solid waste and recycling industry, he has been instrumental in the growth of his business from one recycling facility to twelve facilities throughout South Florida. Charlie was elected to serve for a period of two years. James McCarten, was elected and joins the Board as a Director. Mr. McCarten, also a Palm Beach Gardens resident, is General Manager of The Gardens Mall, a 1.4 million square-foot, super regional shopping center featuring more than 150 world-class specialty stores and restaurants. A native of Washington, D.C. and a graduate of the University of Maryland, Smith School of Business, Mr. McCarten is active in the local community, serves on the board of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and is a committee member and leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a board and executive committee member for The Arc of Palm Beach County. Jim was elected to serve for a period of two years. Commenting on the Board changes, Tom Murphy, President of the Foundation commented: "“I am very pleased to have Charlie and Jim filling important roles on our board. I'm confident that with their involvement we will continue to grow the Police Foundation in the coming years. Both men have tremendous business experience and are very involved in the local community and will work with us to meet the financial challenges that lie ahead.” You can access the actual Press Release by clicking here.   If you enjoyed this article, join our email list. Name: Email: We never sell, rent or in any way allow others to utilize our email list.   … [Read more...]

Foundation’s Annual Appeal Rolls Into 2012

Happy New Year!The Annual Fund Raising Appeal of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation moves into 2012 as residents and businesses within the city continue to make donations. Community support of the foundation's work helps every resident by providing funds in areas such as youth violence prevention programs, equipment to improve the operations of special units like S.W.A.T., Dive Team and K-9, and Officer training. As our city grows we strive to obtain new and innovative programs and systems in the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department. The Foundation has been instrumental in funding important tools that enhance elder-abuse investigations, aid in locating lost Alzheimer patients and children with Autism, domestic violence programs, child safety initiatives and more. The Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation is the sponsor of the Department's Annual Citizen Police Academy. The Academy is a ten-week program where community minded citizens from Palm Beach Gardens attend a three-hour class, one evening per week. The Academy is designed to bring citizens of our city closer to their police department and to an understanding of the challenges our officers face in the daily performance of their duty. “2011 has been a banner year in Palm Beach Gardens. Thanks to the dedication of our Officers and the support of our citizens, safety programs have increased and the new Emergency Operations Center has opened”, stated Tom Murphy, President of the Foundation. “I want to personally thank everyone in advance for helping us to meet 100% participation from our residents towards a worthwhile campaign that affects all of us.” “If you have not already made a contribution, I urge you to do so and to support the Foundation. Your financial contribution will make a difference in the day-to-day lives of the police officers that protect our city, which in turn makes a difference in the lives of all of our residents.” If you enjoyed this article, join our email list. Name:Email: We never sell, rent or in any way allow othersto utilize our email list. … [Read more...]

Holiday Joy Drive Kicks Off

"In these difficult economic times, it’s important that we take care of those that are less fortunate than we during the holidays," said Tom Murphy, President of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation as the Foundation kicked off its annual Palm Beach Gardens Police and Fire Department Joy Drive. For over ten years the Joy Drive has provided toys, and in some cases basic needs, for families and underprivileged children during the holiday season. The Joy Drive has several locations throughout the City where new toys, clothing and gift cards can be dropped off. Those wishing to write a check can make it out to the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation and mark Joy Drive in the notes section of the check. The Foundation is also seeking assistance from individuals interested in volunteering to gift wrap, organize deliveries and pick up donations from the various drop off locations. The Joy Drive will run until December 22, 2011. For more information please contact Joy Drive Committee chairperson at 799-4488 or by email at joydrive@pbgpf.org … [Read more...]

Foundation welcomes new members of Police Command Staff

The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department recently announced a reorganization that saw three new members join the Department's command staff. The Foundation welcomes these new men and women and looks forward to working with them over the coming months and years. The new members are Assistant Chief Clint Shannon, Commander Andy Rundle and Commander Laurie Van Deusen. Major Rich Facchine, Lieutenant Chris Barca and Captain Bill Brandt were also promoted as part of this reorg. A/C Shannon was recently profiled in a Palm Beach Post article that can be read at this link. He joins our Department after some 30+ years with the North Miami Police Department. Commander Andrew Rundle joins the Department from the Lantana Police Department where he was a Captain. He will be part of the Field Operations Division and heading up the Special Operations Bureau. Commander Laurie Van Deusen joins the Department after retiring from the West Palm Beach Police Department. She will be part of the Administrative/Investigations Division and head up the Investigations Bureau. As part of the reorganization, Major Rich Facchine was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief and along with Chief Shannon will take up the management of the Department under the leadership of Chief Stephen Stepp Commander Christopher Barca joins the Field Operations Division and will be responsible for the Patrol Operations Bureau. Commander William Brandt joins the Administrative/Investigations Division and will head up the Administrative Support Bureau. Retiring from the Department were Lieutenants Jay Spencer, Mike Rispoli, Glenn Brown and Paul Leffler. Congratulations to all and Welcome aboard to the new members! … [Read more...]

Police Explorer golf tournament a big success!

The Third Annual Police Explorer's Golf Tournament, held in partnership with the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation, was held on Saturday September 25th and by every account was a major success. Some 144 players joined for registration and breakfast at 7:00 AM and then hit the course for the 8:00 AM scramble. The Country Club at Mirasol was again the host and players competed on the Sunrise Course, former home of the PGA Tour's 'Honda Classic'. After playing the challenging 18-hole, 7,416 yard Fazio designed course, players returned to the clubhouse for a sumptuous lunch and awards ceremony including a fantastic auction. The tournament is held annually to raise money in support of the Police Explorer Post. The funds raised are used for training, equipment, State competitions and Police Academy scholarships. Police Exploring is a program chartered through the Boy Scouts of America and is for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in a career in Law Enforcement. While the dates and location of the 2011 event have not yet been announced, it's never too early to get your foursome together and get ready for an outstanding day at the upcoming 4th Annual Police Explorer Golf Tournament. Watch this blog for future announcements or contact Sergeant Jack Schnur at the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department – 799-4565 or Officer Tara Headman, the Post Advisor – 799-4527 … [Read more...]

3rd Annual Police Explorer Golf Tournament

The Palm Beach Gardens Police Explorer Post, in partnership with the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation, is pleased to announce their Third Annual Premier Golf Tournament. The event will once again return to the Sunrise course at The Country Club at Mirasol, former home of the PGA Tour's Honda Classic. The Tournament is scheduled for a Breakfast and Bagpipe start at 7:00 AM on Saturday, September 25th, 2010 followed by Lunch and awards later in the day. Monies raised by the event are used to support the Explorer Post throughout the year including training, equipment, State competitions and Police Academy scholarships. Police Exploring is a program chartered through the Boy Scouts of America and is for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in a career in Law Enforcement. To form or join a foursome, or to be an event sponsor, contact Sergeant Jack Schnur at the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department - (561) 799-4565 or Officer Tara Headman, the Post Advisor - (561) 799-4527 . A copy of the event flyer including Player Registration can be downloaded by clicking here. … [Read more...]

“Birdies for Children” – Take a guess,donate and WIN A NEW CAR!

The Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation teams up with the Honda Classic's Birdies for Children program. We are partnering with The Honda Classic to offer you a chance to win a new Honda INSiGHT while helping the Foundation at the same time. Please join in the Birdies contest and lets all have some fun with The Honda Classic. Details on the contest and how the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation reaps the rewards of your excitement are below. What is Birdies for Children? The Birdies for Children program is a way for charities such as ours to benefit from The Honda Classic. We and other local participating charitable organizations obtain pledges of $20 or more and the donors of those pledges earn an opportunity to guess the number of birdies made during The Honda Classic - with 100% of their pledge amount going directly to their participating charity. Remember, a birdie is a score of one stroke less than par on any hole. If you have the winning pledge you can win a 2010 Honda INSiGHT - while the Police Foundation gets 100% of the donations. How Birdies for Children Works Individuals/businesses solicit donations on behalf of the Foundation. The Honda Classic collects all donations and upon completion of the tournament will contribute 100% of the money to the Foundation (or whichever charity is designated on the pledge form) There is no risk or expense to the individual or to the charity as all costs are covered by The Honda Classic The Honda Classic provides a full-time coordinator, printed donor forms, management of collections, and award distribution The Foundation has agreed that all donation money received through this appeal will be used to support the youth of Palm Beach Gardens How To Donate and Guess the Birdies You can make a donation of $20 or more to the Birdies for Children appeal and then guess the total number of birdies that will be made by the entire field in the four rounds of the 2010 Honda Classic. What Can Be Won Grand Prize: A BRAND NEW 2010 HONDA INSiGHT Awarded to the donor who guesses the correct number of birdies *Note - In the event of a tie, a blind drawing from all correct guesses will determine the winner Several other great prizes will be awarded based on a random drawing from all participants (Donation not required to be eligible to win) What Number Should I Guess As they say, past results do not guarantee future performance, but to help you along, here are the total number of birdies made in each of the last three tournaments: 2007 1,116 2008 1,144 2009 1,180 … [Read more...]