Marietta PAL’s Fundraiser Features Housewife, Harleys and Sports

The Athletic League or PAL began its annual fund-raiser today behind the Chick-fil-A in the Wal-Mart parking lot in the Marietta Trade Center, 210 Cobb Parkway South.  But Saturday brings the big draws which include a visit from an as-yet-unnamed Real Housewife of Atlanta and a sterling collection of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

This annual fund-raiser is designed to raise money needed to conduct the variety of activities throughout Marietta for youths ages 5 to 18. The PAL program sponsors karate, swimming, basketball, golf, mentoring and tutoring throughout Marietta.

The premise behind PAL stems from youth crime prevention in that it uses educational, athletic and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and young people. Studies have show that if young people—if they are reached early enough—can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship.

Such respect, PAL organizers say, is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood and the business community.

Events on Saturday include a "gossip" session with one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. At noon, the Rare Breed Motorcycle Club displays some of metro Atlanta's most pristine Harley Davidson motorcycles. At 5 p.m., players from the WNBA's Atlanta Dream will stop by to sign autographs. PAL will sell tickets for $10 for the Dream's "Marietta Night" at their season opener against New York Liberty.

The fundraiser will include games, raffles (a flat-screen TV and gas cards are up for grabs), a display of police equipment, sale of PAL T-shirts and other police stuff!

The event runs until 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. For information, call 770-794-5200.