On October 14, 2006 the Hoboken PBA and PSOA held its First Annual Comedy Night & Tricky Tray charity fundraiser event at the Elks Club to benefit the International Rett Syndrome Association (IRSA) a most worthy charitable organization. Over 300 people from our community and abroad attended this year's event.
Due to the efforts and the help of several extraordinary members of the police department, their family members and friends this event was a true success and raised $11,000.00 for IRSA. About RETT Syndrome: First recognized by the US medical community in 1983, this neurological disorder is seen primarily in females; although it also rarely occurs in males. It is usually caused by mutations of the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. Early developmental milestones appear normal, but between 6-18 months of age, there is a delay or regression in development, particularly affecting speech, hand skills and coordination. Intellectual development appears to be severely delayed. A hallmark of RS is repetitive hand movements that may become almost constant while awake. Other features include seizures, irregular breathing, and curvature of the spine.
The PBA's goal was not only to raise money for this debilitating disorder but also to raise awareness throughout the community.
I would like to thank our PBA/PSOA Committee Chairpersons: Sergeant Melissa Gigante Police Officer Patrick McNamara for organizing this milestone event and the following committee members and volunteers for all their hard work time: PO Vito Gigante, Det. Robert Fulton, Lt. Thomas Cahill and wife Barbara, PO McNamara's wife, Tracy and mother Jenny, Sgt. Ken Ferrante-PSOA President, Lt. Tony Bartley, PO Jill Costello, PO Chris Hatfield, PO Jennifer Simone, Hoboken Police civilian employees: Mary Rotondi, Annmarie Sacco, Diana Mattessich and Eddie Rivera, Capt. Anthony Falco and wife Georgean, Maria & Antonio Gigante, Alex & Melinda LaLoui, Stacie Mullins, PO James Miller, Lt. Ricardo Burgos and Chief Carmen V. LaBruno. Especially, I thank all the caring and generous individuals who attended, for our objective would not have been achieved with your support of the PBA and this worthy cause.
I would also like to thank the hundreds of local and area business leaders, celebrities, professional athletes and organizations and private individuals for their most generous donations of goods and services.
The Hoboken PBA & PSOA are committed in expanding our already most involved multi diversified campaigns of charity work and civic involvement throughout the community and abroad for the good of humanity. As Hoboken police officers, we not only proudly serve and protect our community but also care immensely.
God bless all. And we wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday and New Year.
Very truly yours,
Vince Lombardi, President
Hoboken Policemen's Benevolent Association
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