Palermo Heart to Heart Foundation

About the Palermo Foundation

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 $60,000 dollars and awarded more than 35 recipients.

From the beginning 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.

Board Of Directors:

David Palermo, President

Robert Palermo, Vice President

George Joseph, Secretary/Treasurer

Jerry Palermo, Board Member

Jimmy Joseph, Board Member

Robbie Palermo, Board Member

Timmy Joseph, Board Member

Palermo Highlights

1984
Golf Tournament held to raise funds for Frank “Froggy” Palermo who requires a heart operation.
1992
Attorney James Palermo organizes a small family golf tournament and dinner.
1992
Attorney James Palermo passes away suddenly.
1993
The golf tournament is open to family and friends with approximately 64 golfers attending. A golf committee is organized to handle all the tasks of a large scale golf tournament.
1994
The surprising success of the tournament spurs ideas of possible donation senarios. Our first donation is presented to the Conygham Library in the name of the Palermo Family. Prior to the golf tournament George Joseph is diagnosed with cancer.
1995
The tournament's popularity continues to grow.
1996
Two young cancer victims are voted on and approved to receive cash donations.
1997
The golf committee votes to build on this popular golf tournament and the Palermo Athletic Foundation is established.
1998 & 1999
With a solid fund balance, it is decided two yearly cash donations.
2000
• A difficult time in the organization due to two more of our family members being stricken with cancer
• We apply and are accepted as a non-profit organization allowing for continued growth
• Three cash donations are awarded
2001
Another jump in tournament size to 126 is approved and easily reached. A sad year as we lose two of our past recipients and a close family member to cancer.
2002
The true turning point in the organization is reached as the Palermo Heart-to-Heart Foundation is formed. Dreams of families in need will be realized.
2003
Foundation continues to grow in popularity.
2004
Foundation sponsorship donations top the "15,000 mark with it's 1st Tournament Sponsorship.
2005
Foundation and torunament marks 15th year. A special tournament takes place with many complementary gifts handed out. Overall the largest turnout to date, 143 Golfers.
2006
Foundation continues to grow with popularity. The people we are able to help are the ones who benefit from our popularity.

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