Dear Editor:

On Saturday, March 19, 2005, the Hoboken P.B.A. sponsored its second annual "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" to raise money for the America Cancer Society's Relay for Life 2005.

I would like to thank all the members of the community who attended with their children and took part in the festivities of the day. I hope that all who attended had a joyous and memorable time. We look forward to seeing all of you at next year's event. I am pleased to announce that the Hoboken P.B.A. raised $1,700 at this event which will be combined with the proceeds raised from a planned charity basketball game between the Hoboken Police and Fire Department later this month with all the proceeds going directly to the American Cancer Society.

The members of the Hoboken Police Department take great pride in raising money for this and many other worthy causes. As your Police Department, we have suffered the loss of many members and their families and friends to cancer. We also have many cancer survivors who presently serve and protect this great city of ours.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous local business establishments who made contributions: Inserra Shop Rite, David Jacey of the Black Bear Tavern; Gems of Hoboken; Trinity Tavern; Frankie & Johnnies; The Elysian Café; The Quays; Benny Tudino's; Mario's Classic Pizzeria; Ted & Joe'; David Anthony's; Sushi Lounge; Lola's Tapa's Bar; Biggies Clam Bar; Garden Wine & Liquor; Ottomanelli Wine & Liquor; Flash Tech; Hoboken Tattoo; Giovanni's Italia Shoe Repair; Swift Photo and Hudson Photo.

Very special thanks to Chief Carmen V. LaBruno; Mayor David Roberts; Councilman Mike Russo; Carmelo Garcia, Director of Human Services; Sgt. Ken Ferrante, P.S.O.A. President and Edward Fitzsimmons of the Hoboken Vol. Ambulance Corps.

I would also like to thank the members of the Hoboken P.B.A. and their families who volunteered their personal time to make this a true success: PO Patrick McNamara, P.B.A. Vice President, founder and chairman of this event, his wife Tracy and mother Jenny McNamara; Sgt. Thomas Cahill, PSOA Co-Chairman and wife Barbara; Det. Robert Fulton; PO Mike Depalma; PO William James; PO William Collins and PO William Vera. This is one of many annual charity fundraisers that the P.B.A. sponsors and organizes with the help and assistance of its members and their families. I wish that future charity events receive the same overwhelming support from our residents as well as our compassionate local business professionals. We are the Hoboken Police P.B.A. We do more that just protect and serve. We care.

Respectfully yours,
Vincent T. Lombardi, President
NJ State Policemen's Benevolent Association
Hoboken Local No. 2