Members of the Pelham Interact Club and Rotary Club hosted the first Party In the Park fundraiser, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Wolfs Lane Park this past Sunday. The event included live music from Pelham-based bands, like the Mellow Fellows and 7th Avenue. Food trucks: Pelicones and Lou’s Hot Dogs, were sold at the event. All funds raised will cover the cost of shipping educational books to Africa and the Gift of Life Organization – Providing heart surgeries to children in foreign countries.
“We worked a lot with the Rotary Club of Pelham, older Pelham folks who focus on community service. We wanted to collaborate with them and set up this community event to raise money to send books to kids in Africa and pay for hospital bills for kids in foreign countries. Interact club is a smaller sector of the Rotary Club, and it’s a great way for high schoolers at Pelham to get involved in their community,” said Jackie Pennetta, Vice President of the Interact Club. “With events such as this, it’s nice to see the community come together to raise money for such important causes, it’s been so rewarding to give back to a community that is so giving.”
Treasurer of the Pelham Rotary Club, Donna Shirreffs, is hopeful to continue the Party In the Park, eventually making it a long-standing tradition in Pelham. “I am excited about students of the Interact Club’s ability to help globally and locally, as they put this whole event together: The volunteers and the pizza, donated by local restaurants. I love watching everyone, of all ages, come together for a common cause and enjoy Pelham,” said Shirreffs.
Meanwhile, some of Pelham’s most popular high school bands performed music for the crowd. The Mellow Fellows accompanied the event with relaxing yet upbeat jazz tunes. “Thanks to the great turnout, we, as well as many other Pelham residents were educated on the work of the Rotary/Interact club and the Gift of Life Foundation, accompanied by some great grooves,” said band members Julian Kalehoff and Christian Prencis.
7th Avenue played ’90s hits such as “Creep,” by Radiohead and “Say it Ain’t So” by Weezer. Sophomore at Pelham Memorial High School and lead singer of the band, Samantha Bonnano, reflects on the experience. “The event organizers were very kind; They frequently asked us what we needed before the performance and spent an hour helping us set up. I love playing around Pelham, seeing the faces of my family and friends.” William Russello, drummer of 7th Avenue. “This was my first time playing outside. It’s cool to see new faces discover our band.”