Catsimatidis To Be Honored By PAL

The Police Athletic League (PAL) will honor John A. Catsimatidis as PAL’s 2011 Superstar at its 39th Annual Superstar Dinner Thursday, June 16, 2011, at The Pierre in New York City. Chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group, Catsimatidis is a long-time member of the Board of Trustees of Leadership 100 and serves on its Executive Committee, as well as a member of the PAL Board of Directors since 1984.

Catsimatidis is being honored as “businessman extraordinaire, philanthropist and humanitarian.” As Chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group, he oversees Gristede’s Supermarkets, United Refining Company, Red Apple Real Estate, United jet Fleet, Capital Airlines and Red Apple Aviation. He grew up in New York, studying engineering at the Bronx campus of New York University. His philanthropy in support of the Greek Orthodox Church is legendary, having served on the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council. He is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

A significant benefactor and major force in creating new funding sources for PAL, he is credited with giving New York City’s children the tools and guidance they need to succeed and have every chance for productive and happy lives.