In recent weeks citizens have asked me about the legitimacy of calls from telemarketers claiming to solicit funds for law enforcement programs like the Pinellas County Sheriff's Police Athletic League (PAL). My response has been adamant: the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office does not solicit funds for any of its programs through telemarketing agencies. As I have been on the receiving end of these types of calls myself, I am well aware that telemarketers often times misrepresent themselves by implying or inferring that they are collecting funds on behalf of law enforcement or for various law enforcement programs, when in fact they are soliciting funds for police unions. It is important that the public recognize that unions are entirely separate entities from the Sheriff's Office and from other local police departments; and that in so choosing to donate through telemarketers, the public does not have the guarantee that the entirety of their contribution will go to the claimed charity. Citizens should also be advised that the St. Petersburg Police Athletic League does engage in phone solicitation; and while they may solicit residents in the entire county, their proceeds only benefit the St. Petersburg PAL. The Pinellas Sheriff's PAL receives no funding from it, nor is it associated with the St. Petersburg PAL. We are recommending that citizens wishing to make charitable donations for our various youth programs and the partnerships supported by our office do so by reaching out directly to the organizations or to us, so that we may answer any of your questions or concerns, put you in touch with the appropriate contact, and ensure that your entire donation benefits your charity of choice. Below is a list of the various charitable youth organizations supported by the Sheriff's Office and the organized charity events that the Sheriff's Office hosts and/or partners with yearly. The Sheriff's Office does not do any telephone soliciting for these organizations or events. Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast 727-524-2427 Pinellas Sheriff's Police Athletic League 727-528-5779 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County 727-518-8860 Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches 727-725-4161 Sheriff Jim Coats Annual Clearwater Women's Open Tennis Tournament (February) The Sheriff Jim Coats Annual Women's Tennis Tournament is a USTA Pro Circuit sanctioned event which attracts up and coming female tennis professionals from all over the world. Proceeds from the event will benefit the children served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, located in Pinellas County and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Police Athletic League (PAL). All Star Sports Night (Formerly Sheriff's Gala) to Benefit PAL (March or April) The "All Star Sports Night" dinner/silent auction and dance event benefits the Pinellas County Sheriff's Police Athletic League (PAL). This event is organized by the Sheriff's Citizens Academy who reaches out to corporate sponsors for donations both monetary and material to be used in the silent auction. The Sheriff's PAL opened its doors in 2001. Since then, PAL programs have grown to fill five recreational facilities countywide and serve several thousand children. Sheriff Coats And Staff Go Bowling For Big Brothers Big Sisters In "Bowl For Kids' Sake" (April) "Bowl for Kids' Sake" is an annual event which blends friends and fun for a good cause - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County. Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs at-risk youngsters with an adult Big Brother or Big Sister and is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Law Enforcement Runs "The Torch For Special Olympics" (Late April/Early May) Law enforcement agencies from all over Pinellas County run the "Torch for Special Olympics" to bring attention to the many sports programs available to the intellectually disabled. Proceeds from the sales of shirts and caps benefit the Special Olympics. The run starts at the St. Petersburg Police Department. The Special Olympics torch is passed from one law enforcement agency to another, and works its way up to Clearwater, ending at Paul B. Stephens Exceptional School. Special Olympics athletes greet the runners at various schools along the way. Several days later, the torch is passed from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office aboard a Marine Unit vessel. The torch ultimately ends its journey at the State Games in Walt Disney World. Sheriff Jim Coats Golf Tournament To Benefit Children At Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches (September/October) The Sheriff Jim Coats Charity Golf Tournament tees off in Pinellas County. For nearly 20 years, the Pinellas Sheriff's Charity Golf Tournament has raised up to $120,000 to benefit the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches around the state provide a homelike atmosphere for those children who are at risk or have been neglected or abused. Pinellas County Sheriff's "Ride & Run With The Stars" (December) "Ride & Run With The Stars" is a holiday fundraiser benefiting the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project, which provides food, clothing and toys to disadvantaged children, crime victims and families in need. "Ride & Run With The Stars" is held at Fort DeSoto Park. There are cycling, running and walking events, as well as a silent auction. Several days later, deputies and non-certified members volunteer to "Shop for Santa" - and fulfill the Holiday wishes submitted by children and families registered with the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project. Funds for the holiday shopping spree are earned through the annual "Ride & Run With the Stars" event. Pinellas County Education Foundation, Operation PAR and the PACE Center for Girls are just a few other examples of the many charities that the Sheriff's Office partners with. To join us and our partners in helping the youth and families in need of our community please contact the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office at 727-582-6200. Return to Home Page Return to Current Edition Contact us