The Danbury Police Athletic League will celebrate three longtime community leaders at its 6th Annual Spotlight Breakfast on Friday, May 15, at Anthony’s on the Lake.

This year’s honorees — Mary Gregory, Debbie deFriesse and Maura Keenan — are widely recognized as devoted “PAL Lifers,” whose years of service and leadership have helped shape the organization’s impact in Danbury and beyond.

Gregory and Keenan have each served in key leadership roles, including executive director and chair of the PAL Board. DeFriesse has been a dedicated staff member and site supervisor since 2017, playing a vital role in daily operations and youth programming.

Executive Director Vince Jackson said their contributions have been essential to the organization’s success.

“Maura, Mary and Debbie have given so much of themselves to PAL over the years,” Jackson said. “Their behind-the-scenes efforts have truly shaped what PAL is today, and our organization would not be where it is without them. They’ve also been strong pillars in both the Danbury and Brookfield communities.”

Board President Chad Bock echoed that sentiment, highlighting the lasting influence of their work.

“Together, they embody the spirit of Danbury PAL,” Bock said. “Their leadership and dedication to young people have created a legacy that will continue to influence our community for years. Honoring them means recognizing not just what they’ve done, but the countless lives they’ve helped guide along the way.”

Established in 2019, the Spotlight Breakfast recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization. Honorees are inducted into the Danbury PAL Hall of Fame.

Past inductees include Bob Guerrera, Reggie Moore, Kara Prunty, Karen Simmons, Mark and Nancy Cammisa, Joyce Robbins and Joann Tatarzycki, Dave Arconti Jr., Fred Carboni, Kurt Schlemmer, Jackie DiNardo, the late Bob DiNardo, Eileen Kline and Artie Haddad.

Anthony’s on the Lake is located in Amerigo Vespucci Lodge at 10 Christopher Columbus Ave., Danbury, CT 06810. For more information, contact Danbury PAL at 203-778-4725 or vjackson@danburypal.org.