The lights were colorful, the décor festive and the crowd lively at the Patient AirLift Services fundraising event on February 10, 2012 at the Huntington Hilton Hotel. PALS' very own “Big Easy” was created on Long Island for the Mardi Gras themed celebration to honor Adam Katz of Talon Air, and to recognize the pilots, volunteers, patients and friends who have enabled PALS to grow and pursue its mission of changing lives, one flight at a time.
PALS’ Executive Director, Eileen Minogue welcomed guests, extending special thanks to the Event Committee and the PALS Board of Directors for the solid foundation and support they continuously provide, ending with an introduction of Board Chairman, Joe Howley. Recognizing PALS volunteer pilots as the cornerstone of what PALS has been able to accomplish, Mr.Howley expressed deep gratitude for their generosity and commitment to the PALS mission: “Without all of you, PALS would not be here.”
In honoring Adam Katz of Talon Air, Mr. Howley explained to all present that, “there are times when a mission cannot be filled by a PALS pilot with a general aviation aircraft.” He went on to say that, “There are times when patients have special needs, or the distance is long and we need help. That is where Adam Katz has stepped in, again and again, to lend the resources of Talon Air in support of PALS mission. For that, we thank him and honor him this evening.”
With a “Shout Out” to Doron Kessel for introducing him to PALS, Mr. Katz graciously accepted the honor, saying “I am happy to do what I can, and share what I have to help the PALS mission.” Guests, of course could not overlook Mr. Katz’s full costume of early French Quarter attire, complete with ruffled shirt, ponytail wig and brocade tailcoat. He confessed to everyone that he gamely succumbed to his wife’s sense of fun. Showing good humor, Mr. Katz explained that, “He did it for laughs.” Mrs. Katz, also in Mardi Gras costume, looked stunning and festive in her black and white gown and Mardi Gras mask. It was clear that, where PALS is concerned, Mr. and Mrs. Katz are enthusiastic in their support!
Other special guests at the event included families whose lives have become connected to PALS through our mission. PALS was pleased to acknowledge Faye and John Dilgen, parents of patient John Hudson, Danielle & Bill Carney and Randy Snell, father of patient Lauren Snell. The final speaker of the evening, a former Marine who is now with the New York Guard coordinating events for wounded Veterans, Warrant Officer Anthony Mendi, thanked PALS and everyone present for helping with the rehabilitation and recovery of our wounded Veterans and ending with a standing ovation to recognize wounded warrior officer Terry Peake, who was a PALS guest.
Master of Ceremonies and longtime PALS friend, comedian Patrick O’Rourke, took over the microphone and became PALS' auctioneer. Patrick’s lively wit and gregarious humor carried guests through the live auction, and PALS Connect-A-Flight, all to raise funds for the PALS mission.
