The Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund will host its 130th Anniversary Policeman's Ball on Oct. 17 at Riverside Yacht Club.

The black-tie gala starts at 6:30 p.m. and raises money for college scholarships awarded to children of active-duty Greenwich police officers. The nonprofit scholarship fund has provided undergraduate financial assistance since the early 1960s, according to its website.

Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO of the Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter, and Joe Kelly are co-chairing the event. Guests can expect cocktails, dinner, dancing, live music by Mod Society and auction opportunities.

"Reaching 130 years is an extraordinary milestone for the Greenwich Police Department and our entire community," Police Chief Jim Heavey said in a July 27 statement to the Greenwich Sentinel. The celebration, he said, honors generations of officers while investing in the next generation through scholarships.

The scholarship fund traces its roots to 1962, when three awards were given that represented 80 percent of the fund's resources at the time, according to the organization's website. To qualify, recipients must be children of current Greenwich officers, maintain an above-average GPA and be enrolled in a degree-based undergraduate program.

Sponsorship packages range from $5,000 to $25,000. Supporters can also purchase individual tickets, sponsor an officer's attendance, buy advertising in the commemorative program or donate directly to the fund. Tickets and sponsorships are available at bit.ly/GPD130Gala. Questions can go to [email protected] or 203-622-7884.

The department counts its founding from 1896, when the town first appointed "Watchmen" to patrol stores along Greenwich Avenue at night. The force was formally organized in 1906, and Joseph J. Cornelius became its first full-time officer in 1918, Greenwich Time reported in coverage of the 125th anniversary in 2021.

The 125th anniversary ball drew more than 150 guests to the same Riverside Yacht Club venue. That event's live auction included a ride on the GPD police boat and a chance to be chief for a day.