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The Pelham Civic Association and the Junior League of Pelham are proud to announce Pelham250: Stars, Stripes and a Revolutionary Night — A Salute to the Spirit of Pelham, a festive community gala celebrating Pelham’s rich history of patriotism and volunteerism in the community.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 17 at the New York Athletic Club – Travers Island, and is part of the Pelham250 commemoration, marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Pelham, a significant Revolutionary War engagement fought on October 18, 1776, in what is now Pelham Bay Park. The battle is remembered as an important moment of resistance that slowed British forces and demonstrated the resolve of the Continental Army.

Guests can expect a festive atmosphere with premium entertainment–including a firework display–celebrating the Town’s history while supporting two of Pelham’s most active volunteer, charitable organizations.

“The Junior League of Pelham is honored to partner with the Pelham Civic Association for the Pelham250. Pelham is a civic- and service-minded town with a deep reverence for the arts, culture and history. We couldn’t let this milestone year pass without a proper celebration,” said Ali Cheyne-Cavallaro, President of the Junior League of Pelham. “For 85 years, we’ve been proud to serve this community through initiatives that create lasting impact. This event is a chance to come together, celebrate Pelham’s remarkable history, and strengthen the connections that carry our community forward.”

According to Pelham Civic Association President Tim Case, “This year, the Pelham Civics complete its 87th year of serving the Pelham community. I’m extremely proud of our hard-working volunteer membership who continue to work diligently year after year to raise money to support our four distinct areas of focus: the youth, the elderly, the mentally and physically challenged, and the financially needy. The Battle of Pelham is a defining moment in our town’s history and an important chapter in the story of the American Revolution. As we approach its 250th anniversary, the Pelham Civic Association is proud to partner with the Junior League of Pelham to celebrate that legacy and bring the community together. This event honors not only the history of Pelham, but also the strong civic and volunteer spirit that continue to shape our town today–we see this as the perfect culmination of Pelham’s semi-quintennial festivities.”

Proceeds from the event will support community-focused programs and initiatives led by both organizations, continuing their shared commitment to civic engagement and community impact. 

Key Pelham Civic Association projects include the Good Neighbor Program- each holiday season, more than 150 dinners and gifts are delivered to families and children in need. Year-round they quietly provide advice, support, and economic assistance to those with economic hardship. The Help a Child, Change a Life Program assists Pelham’s Elementary Schools, Middle School and High School students from financially struggling families with learning tools, skill enhancement and social support programs. For the younger children in the community, we run the annual Pelham Civics Olympics and for the high school students, we give away $38,000 annually in scholarships to outstanding students who volunteer their time and effort for the community, in addition to running Career Workshops for juniors and seniors. For the Pelham Senior Club, they provide social programs, such as trips to see shows, and lunches throughout the year.  They also support the Mentally & Physically Challenged with Special Needs through various programs. Other successful and impactful programs, projects and events include the 10K/Half Marathon, the Toonerville Music Festival, the Memorial Day Parade, a Fall Gala to honor exemplary volunteers, and a Benefit Golf Outing.

The Junior League of Pelham’s current signature project is the restoration and expansion of Woodland Park on Wolfs Lane in the Village of Pelham. The first phase of the project included the restoration of existing play structures; the installation of new equipment, including more ADA accessible play options; and, the creation of a butterfly garden. The League has also committed to installing ADA accessible pathways, creating a gathering space geared towards middle- and high school-aged children and expanding sustainability features. Additional programs include the League’s longstanding Ending Hunger project, which focuses on addressing food insecurity in Pelham and its surrounding communities in partnership with local nonprofits and food banks; the Sustainability Project, which works with local organizations on sustainability initiatives and works within the League to ensure eco-friendly practices; and, the League’s annual Community Grant program, which awards thousands of dollars each year to deserving organizations and students in Pelham and delivers enrichment programming to PMHS students. The League also convenes an annual Community Roundtable event that brings together leaders and community members on pressing issues from a hyper-local lens. 

Additional event details, including ticketing information, will be announced in the coming months.