The JLP celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday night, April 2, with a gala that evoked the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards. Nearly 250 guests donned gowns and tuxes fit for the red carpet and danced the night away at the beautifully renovated Pelham Country Club, where they enjoyed dinner, cocktails, and live music by the Nerds.

Junior League presidents were the focus of the evening, and 17 past presidents were in attendance – each was honored with a star on the “Pelham walk of fame,” a cameo in the slideshow that ran throughout the night, and an informal ceremony where they each received a rose.

“The founding members of the JLP envisioned an organization where women could volunteer their time, develop their skills and truly make a difference in their community,” said current president Melissa Mulrooney Deighton. “Today JLP members, comprised of women with different backgrounds, interests, and careers , work together to identify unmet needs in the community and forge coalitions to effect positive changes in Pelham and surrounding areas.”

The gala was an opportunity to celebrate the women who have helped to make an impact in our town. Co-chairs Tyson Newton Stephens and Jenny Ngan Heelan worked tirelessly to ensure a night to remember for the entire community. Red carpet arrivals were captured by photographer Deborah Karson, while JLP member Sabrina Clark held quick, E! News-style interviews with guests. Upon entering the party, guests were immediately served champagne and wine, and the food was chic, abundant, and delicious. The gorgeous flowers were donated by Artistic Manner, dessert was a show-stopping gold cake donated by Provisions Bakery, and Blue Dog Wines donated split bottles of cava for the favors.

Over-the-top silent and live auctions rounded out the evening. Silent auction items included a private boat trip around Manhattan, a stay in Steamboat Springs, and Jet Blue tickets and park passes to Walt Disney World. The (lively!) live auction featured a trip to Napa, with accommodations at a five-star hotel donated by Bayside Travel, and a pair of tickets to the acclaimed Broadway show, Hamilton.

The JLP graciously received sponsorships from many Pelham businesses, most prominently their two Best Picture ($10,000) sponsors, McClellan Sotheby’s International Realty and Meridian Risk Management/Joan Solimine Real Estate. “We are thrilled at the unfailing enthusiasm of the community in helping to make this evening a success,” said Lisa Hill-Ries, JLP’s Vice President of Fund Development.  “All money raised will support our programs, including grants and scholarships, and operational costs. Those who donated, attended, or bid on auction items are not just supporting the JLP; they’re supporting Pelham and our surrounding communities. And that’s what makes events like these so important.”