Parsippany PAL Gets $15K As Morris Co. Distributes Small-Business Grants

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Parsippany Police Athletic League is back in action this year, and the longtime community staple secured some funds for its endeavors. The Morris County Board of Commissioners personally delivered a $15,000 grant Tuesday to the Parsippany PAL as part of the county's Small Business Grant Program.

The county commissioners dedicated $10 million in federal funding to the grant program, which will help small businesses and nonprofits recover from pandemic setbacks. The commissioners also visited Mara’s Café & Bakery in Denville on Tuesday to deliver a check for more than $9,000.

The Parsippany PAL has offered various activities and sports programs to children since 1965. Beginning with only 240 kids, the PAL has grown to serve more than 4,000 children from Parsippany and the surrounding areas. The community center had to close through 2020 but partially reopened last year and is now back in action.

Executive Director Samuel Yodice was joined by Controller Debra Golle, Program Coordinator Ashley Garofalo and Peggy Clayton, vice president of the PAL board, in accepting the check. Parsippany Mayor James Barberio joined the event with Council President Michael dePierro, Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani and Council Member Justin Musella.

Also attending were Dee dePierro, Superintendent of Recreation Joe Plescia, who also sits on the PAL National Board of Directors, Police Cpt. Brian Dowd and Ptl. Remo D’Alessandro, the township community relations officer.

Funding for the Morris County Small Business Grant Program comes from the county's share of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The program — launched on Valentine's Day under the slogan “Morris County Loves Small Business" — has received more than 575 applications, with many already approved or under review.

The county continues to review applications, but the program remains open to new applications at no cost to apply. Click here for more info.

The Small Business Grant Program eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to:

• The business has 25 or fewer full-time employees (or equivalent)
• In operation since Jan. 1, 2019
• Located within Morris County
• Less than $5 million in sales/revenue
• Proof of a decline in sales/increased expenses due to the pandemic

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