History

The “Italian American Civic Association of Pelham” was formed in 1939 by more than a dozen families in North Pelham and Chester Heights to promote the welfare and interests of community members. It also led a successful effort to expand bus service to north Pelham. One founding member was Vincent Lopardi, grandfather of Joe Benefico, a recently retired Village of Pelham Police Chief and active Civics member.

At the start of WWII, families with Italian, German, and Japanese heritage often sought to "Americanize" themselves, and Civics responded by renaming itself the “Pelham Civic Association.” It then focused its efforts on volunteering and fundraising for the American Red Cross during the war years.

In the decades after WWII, Civics expanded to more than 100 members, and its altruistic mission grew through new service initiatives, programs, and events to benefit the greater Pelham community.

Mission

• To make charitable donations to, or to perform charitable acts to assist, the youth, the financially needy, the physically and mentally challenged, and the senior citizens residing in the Town of Pelham

• To contribute donations to, or otherwise assist, other not-for-profit organizations formed to provide similar help to the same group of Pelham residents

• To promote civic-minded involvement and activities by the Association's members and others

• To encourage community spirit and pride

• To give service, advice, and appropriate support for worthwhile community projects and programs

• To provide a forum for discussion with community groups, organizations, and elected and non-elected officials

• To promote a sense of brotherhood and a fraternal spirit among the membership and their families