PORTSMOUTH – 17 years ago, a group of ladies from the Portsmouth area started a new nonprofit organization, PALS, Inc., to benefit the community and improve the quality of life for residents of the Portsmouth area.
The premise was quite simple. A group of volunteers, all ladies, raise money through events and then distribute that money through grants to other organizations in the community for various needs.
From that simple premise and the hard work of its members, PALS has returned more than $200,000 to our community.
Our most recent fundraiser, PALS Designer Purse Bingo, was a great success, thanks to all our members and the public who have been so supportive of PALS and our efforts. Without the support of the community we couldn’t do what we do.
Tami Davis, president of PALS, said, “2024 has been a great year for PALS.” “To date, we have been able to provide funding to various organizations through our grant applications. Our goal is to provide funding to organizations in the region to ‘Make Portsmouth a better place.’”
Grants awarded since PALS’ inception include grants to Scioto County Health Coalition, the Homeless Shelter, Scioto County Children’s Services, Hillview, Cirq d Art, RSVP, SOLO, Area Agency on Aging and the Counseling Center.
Grants have also been awarded to the Portsmouth Public Library, Scioto County ESC, the Red Cross, Portsmouth Little Theatre, local food banks, the Floodwall, SOPPA and Hollydays.
In addition, Friends of Greenlawn, Rotary of Portsmouth, the Portsmouth Area Arts Council, Main St. Portsmouth, SOMC Hospice and Ohio River Valley T1d are also PALS grant recipients.
Portsmouth Wind Symphony, Portsmouth Civic Chorale, Army Salvation, Portsmouth Little League, Watch Me Grow, Scioto County Heritage Museum and Steven A. Hunter Hope Fund have received grants to support their programs.
PALS has also helped Sierra’s Haven, Animal Welfare League, St. Francis Catholic Outreach, Trillium Project, Hisle House, Friends of Portsmouth, Friends of Brush Creek and Potter’s House Ministries, as well as the Scioto County Historical Society.
Our next grant application is due on February 20th for anyone wishing to apply for a grant. It is available at www.portsmouthpals.org.
We welcome all ladies who would like to join us as we enjoy raising money to give away to charities. Just go to the website above and fill out an application.
