The Corpus Christi Police Athletic League (CC PAL), a nonprofit organization, gives back to youth in the Coastal Bend by empowering and supporting them through recreational and educational programs.
Each year, approximately 3,500 children, from ages 4 to 18, have the opportunity to participate in safe, inclusive and structured programs to learn, play and grow. Generous volunteers — including local law enforcement — coach sports teams, host camps and clinics and serve as mentors. Depending on the season and staff available, CC PAL offers basketball, volleyball and martial arts programs; and with ongoing improvements to its athletic facilities, CC PAL is hopeful that baseball, softball and soccer will return in the near future.
“We ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to sports and mentorship,” said Sgt. Ron Zirbes, president of CC PAL. Beyond the physical activity and life lessons that come with participating in sports at young ages, the programs strengthen the mission CC PAL set out to achieve in the first place: to facilitate the reduction of juvenile crime while building positive relationships between youth and local law enforcement.
While building relationships with youth, CC PAL also recognizes the importance of maintaining relationships with community partners who understand the organization’s mission and are committed to expanding its programming and to raising awareness in the community.
The Charity League of Corpus Christi recognized the organization’s mission and selected CC PAL as its 2025-2026 grant recipient. “It’s an honor, truly; to be chosen among the other nonprofits was such an honor. They’re all great causes, and to gain [Charity League’s] support for our organization is such a wonderful feeling,” said Zirbes. The funds raised through this partnership will support renovations to baseball and soccer fields; provide equipment to expand sports programs; launch new leagues, clinics and tournaments; and strengthen operational capacity to improve staffing and volunteer training.
Valero has been a longtime supporter of the organization, initially introducing what is now CC PAL’s primary annual dove hunt fundraiser, and remains one of the presenting sponsors. The 15th annual dove hunt will take place Oct. 3, at Berry Lonesome Dove Ranch.
“Valero has been a supporter and partner of CC PAL for over 25 years,” said Patsy Benchoff, Lead Community Relations Specialist for Valero and a CC PAL board member. “Today, Valero continues that commitment with three employees proudly serving as CC PAL board members.”
CC PAL operates solely on generous donations of time and monetary contributions to ensure these programs are accessible and affordable for families of all income levels. The community can support CC PAL through volunteering as a coach, mentor or event assistant; monetary donations; sponsoring teams or fields; sharing information with families, schools and local businesses; and attending CC PAL events, tournaments and fundraisers.
Support Charity League in raising funds for CC PAL by donating at the Charity League website.
Contact: ccpal.org | 361.883.2725 | charityleagueofcorpuschristi.org
