Write a commentOn Thursday night, PROP held its signature fundraising gala, Cocktails for a Cause, at the Kallet Theater.
Live music for the event was provided by local band Whitney Road, which will also be playing this summer in the Pulaski Farmers Market concert series.
Preservation Revitalization of Pulaski (PROP) aims to preserve and revitalize the historical, cultural, natural and architectural resources that benefit the Pulaski community and economy. To that end, it has provided grant funding for the preservation and repair of the Syracuse Northern Railroad Arches and, under the leadership of PROP Vice President Jess Joss Kling, the organization has revitalized the area’s farmers market in Pulaski’s South Park. Recently, PROP has also worked with area photographer Jordan Finnerty to create beautiful videos supporting the Village of Pulaski’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) application. The village was awarded the $10 million DRI grant in March 2025 after two unsuccessful applications, showing the power of community in creating forward momentum.
“This event really comes full circle for us,” noted Jess Joss Kling, Vice President of PROP. “We helped the Kallet apply for a Main Street Grant several years ago, which ended up transforming the theater and Pulaski’s downtown. Now, we have this beautiful space right downtown, which we return to every year for our gala.”
The well-attended event featured a silent auction with beautiful donated raffles, such as a wall-size topographical map of the area and a 3-month membership to Lake Ontario Health and Fitness Center. Other in-demand raffles included a tabletop griddle and gift certificates to popular local establishments like Grindhouse Farms, Liquor Everywhere, and many more.
The fundraiser will help this energetic, grassroots organization continue to bring new opportunities to the Pulaski area. Specifically, PROP is looking to replicate the successes of the Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) and Fulton Block Builders by creating a new program that engages neighbors in working towards a better future.
Many who donated to the silent auction also attended the event in a strong showing of community support. The event was full of laughter, friends, and community spirit.
I would also be remiss not to note the food served for the evening. The fundraiser included a wide variety of finger foods, pastas, veggie trays, and desserts from area restaurants. Charcuterie from Bizzy Butterfly Charcuterie, a dessert tower from The Sugaree, potstickers from River House Restaurant, mini cheesecakes from Bev’s Bakery, home-made lemonade and iced tea by Simply the Zest, meats from Millhouse Market… the selection and sheer amount of food was enough to overwhelm the taste buds.
We certainly look forward to seeing this event again next year!
To learn more about PROP and how you can support the organization, visit proppulaski.com or email Pulaski.prop@gmail.com.
