The Port Washington PAL Anti-Hate Response Fund

Danielle Elkins is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Port Washington Police Athletic League Inc.

Tax deductible

On October 11th, 2020, Port Washington PAL Executive Director Rob Elkins discovered that an act of anti-Semitism had occurred at the PAL clubhouse. Unknown perpetrators broke into the building, destroyed maintenance and youth sports equipment, and vandalized the premises with swastikas. This vile, reprehensible hate crime simply has no place at an organization that aims to serve the local Port Washington community. It simply has no place anywhere.

PAL is reeling. The Jewish community of Port Washington is reeling. The entire town is reeling. PAL is my second home and I do not have the words to fully express the hurt, anger, and fear I feel following this crime. Please consider donating to this fundraiser to support PAL as we replace, repair, and restore all that was damaged.

REPLACE: Among the numerous items damaged, PAL’s lawn tractor was hit the hardest. The tractor was broken and desecrated with a swastika. Many athletes have fond memories of watching Rob Elkins and other PAL volunteers drive around Sunset Park on the tractor ahead of softball games. It’'s a welcome sight, signaling the start of athletic enjoyment to come. Unfortunately, this piece of equipment is not cheap, and PAL needs it immediately to keep the field operable for all of our youth and adult sports programs.

REPAIR: PAL needs help repairing damages to the clubhouse and securing the facilities. I may be biased, but PAL, located at Sunset Park, is one of the most beautiful spots in town. The sunsets off the water are legendary. The clubhouse itself holds decades of history that athletes love to discover and explore. It is inspiring how a sports field can hold memories of both athletic energy and tranquility. Please help support PAL in repairing and protecting the property from further harm.

RESTORE: First and foremost, PAL is a youth sports organization whose driving mission is literally #BALLFORALL. Regardless of ability, financial means, race, religion, etc., PAL provides sports in a welcoming environment. Youth sports, adult sports leagues, employing local teens, and hosting Coaches vs. Cancer games are just a few ways PAL fulfills this mission. PAL changed my life as a 9-year-old who just wanted to play travel softball. It changed my life as a teenager trying to find confidence as a leader. It changed my life this past summer as I supervised COVID-friendly youth sports programs that replaced the many camps disrupted by the pandemic. You do not know joy until you see children run through a hose on a hot summer day. I am blessed to know that joy and to have been a part of creating it at PAL.

Damaged in the crime was the beautiful Thank You Wall filled with athlete and parent notes and pictures following this summer’s programs. We need YOUR support bringing back the love quite literally destroyed by an act of anti-Semitism. Please consider helping PAL restore the feelings of love, friendship, inclusivity, happiness, and community that help make PAL so many people’s second home.