The Second Impact organization continues to make a big impact on Geneva first responders with another successful Shields of Honor Gala.
The Gala held at Ventosa Vineyards raised $40,000 for Geneva police and firemen.
“The Second Impact is proud to announce the amazing success of the 2024 Shields of Honor Gala,” said Second Impact founder Ray Ciancaglini. “From sold-out attendance to generous donations from local businesses, community members, and attendees, this event continues to be a true testament of the support that the people of Geneva and surrounding communities have for the Geneva Police and Fire Departments. It is my honor to share that, since our first event just three years ago, more than $101,000 has been donated to directly support the safety, efficiency, and morale of the brave men and women of the GPD and GFD.”
The proceeds from the Gala are donated directly to the police and firefighters.
“I am humbled by the success of this year’s Shields of Honor Gala and look forward to making next year’s event even better,” said Ciancaglini. “Save the date … Nov. 1, 2025.”
Speaking at the Gala, Geneva Fire Chief Del Parrotta said “Every day I’m aware of how fortunate I am to work alongside the firefighters.”
Police Chief Ron Eveland talked about how “we are continuing to progress and move our department forward” and then presented Ciancaglini with a ceremonial turn-of-the-century police baton made of hickory.
Ciancaglini noted the Gala is “to honor those who put their fears aside and who give above and beyond to make us safe.”
State Senator Pam Helming said, “It’s an honor to be in this room with so many dedicated public servants who keep us safe and make us proud.”
“They serve because they care about our community,” added State Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan. “We need to support you as you support us.”
“You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t care,” Mayor Steve Valentino told the first responders.
City Manager Amie Hendrix called the event “a magnificent celebration of the remarkable teamwork that embodies our community.”
Ciancaglini praised his “incredibly dedicated event committee for working tirelessly for months to ensure the success of this evening”: Patti Ciancaglini; Rob Patnesky; Paul D’Amico; Erika Van Savage; Jessica Passalacqua; Kelsey Thibault; Donna Schaertl; Terri Haskins; Tony Felice; Linda Wright; and Nicole Eveland. He also thanked the speakers, State Senator Helming, Assemblyman Gallahan, Geneva Mayor Valentino, Geneva City Manager Hendrix, Geneva Fire Chief Parrotta, and Geneva Police Chief Eveland.
Retired Police Chief Mike Passalacqua, the master of ceremonies, auctioneers Carrie Hessney-Doran and Joe Hessney, and the Bob Greco Band kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening.
Ciancaglini also thanked Meg and Lenny Cecere, RJ Passalacqua, and the excellent staff of Ventosa Vineyards for their outstanding accommodations, delicious food, and great hospitality as well as photographer Neil Sjoblom, videographer Bill Pealer and public relations specialist Phil Beckley. He praised “all of the amazing businesses and individuals because, without your support and generosity, this event would not be possible.”
Ciancaglini also gave a special thank you to Brenda and Dave Rickey for their “most generous” donation to the event.
Ciancaglini has been battling Parkinson’s Syndrome and Dementia Pugilistica, now called CTE, for many years as a direct result of numerous untreated concussions he suffered during his professional boxing career. He started The Second Impact organization to tell his story of the mistakes he made by not properly addressing concussions and the lifelong consequences he suffered as a result. The organization’s goal is to raise awareness, offer support, and encourage being honest about concussion symptoms.
Ciancaglini has lectured around the country for well over a decade at colleges, high schools, medical institutions, and firemen and police on concussions, mental health, and overall physical fitness.
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