The Pelham Civics Association will kick off its annual fundraising drive on Sept. 8 and conclude on Oct. 19 with the  79th Annual Dinner Dance Gala held at the Glen Island Harbour Club. The gala will honor Pelham Civics’ Persons of the Year Kathie O’Callaghan and Rich Davidian.

The fundraising drive will feature raffle tickets sold at Deciccos in Pelham and Dunkin Donuts in Pelham Manor. Multiple prizes will be awarded, including a grand prize of $10,000 in cash. All money raised will go towards the Civics Association’s programs, projects, and events that, according to a Pelham Civic Association press release, “assist the youth, the elderly, the financially needy and the mentally and physically challenged.”

According to Pelham Civic VP of Fundraising, Phil Carfora,“This year’s Gala is slated to be another success with a complete venue of wonderful cuisine, terrific music, and extraordinary honorees!” Tickets to the Gala are $150 if purchased online before Oct. 1, and $175 for the remaining time.

Kathie O’Callaghan, one of the Pelham Civics’ Persons of the Year, is known for being founder and president of Hearts and Homes for Refugees, among other accomplishments. Hearts and Homes for Refugees is a Westchester based organization that advocates for and assists resettling refugees. Hearts and Homes for Refugees has helped one Syrian family of six to resettle in Westchester County.

Rich Dividian, the second Person of the Year, has been active in multiple Pelham Civics programs. Dividian founded and chaired the Pelham Civics Help a Child, Change a Life Program, which gave extra support to students from economically challenged households. In addition, he chaired the Pelham Civics Good Neighbors Program, which aided individuals and family in need in Pelham.