Delray Beach police gala raises more than $90,000

Delray Citizens for Delray Police raised more than $90,000 at its 21st annual awards gala on May 29 at the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort in Delray Beach. The sold-out event honored top officers and longtime employees while funding programs that support the department and its ties to the community.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser adds direct support for Delray Beach police recognition, scholarships, equipment donations, youth programs and community engagement. - The event also highlights public backing for local law enforcement, with more than 350 people in attendance. - The money helps Delray Citizens for Delray Police continue a 39-year effort to strengthen ties between the department and residents.

What happened: - Delray Citizens for Delray Police hosted its 21st Annual Delray Beach Police Awards Gala on Friday, May 29, at the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort. - The sold-out event drew residents, business leaders, community supporters and law enforcement personnel. - The gala raised more than $90,000. - The evening featured dinner, dancing, community recognition and an awards presentation.

The details: - Officer John Caceres Duque received Officer of the Year. - Courtney Mezzancello was named Employee of the Year. - Chad Alpert was named Supervisor of the Year. - Nicholas Pena was named Rookie of the Year. - Delray Citizens for Delray Police also recognized four department members with more than 20 years of service. - The honorees were Master Police Officer Adam Whiting, Sergeant Troy Baer, Lieutenant Eddie McCabe and Deputy Chief Rodney Stevenson. - The organization said the event supports service recognition, scholarships, equipment donations, youth programs and community engagement initiatives. - Chuck Halberg, president of Delray Citizens for Delray Police and founder and president of Stuart & Shelby, said the sold-out room and the funds raised were meaningful and would help the group keep investing in programs and resources for officers and families. - Delray Citizens for Delray Police said it has supported the Delray Beach Police Department, its sworn officers, their families and the broader community for more than 39 years. - Contact information listed for more details was delraycitizensfordelraypolice@gmail.com and the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The gala functioned as both a recognition ceremony and a fundraising vehicle, tying morale-building directly to departmental support. - The strong turnout suggests the police department remains a visible part of civic life in Delray Beach. - The emphasis on scholarships, youth programs and community engagement points to an effort to build long-term trust, not just raise money for immediate needs.

What’s next: - Delray Citizens for Delray Police is expected to keep using gala proceeds to fund recognition efforts and community-facing programs. - The organization said it will continue supporting officers, families and residents through fundraising and public service initiatives.

The bottom line: - Delray Beach’s police gala turned community support into more than $90,000 for programs that recognize officers and reinforce local law enforcement ties.