TCSF DINNER RAISES NEARLY $800,000 TO UNDERWRITE SCHOLARSHIPS AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS FOR INNER-CITY CHILDREN
Towering above the microphone at Tri-County Scholarship Fund’s Annual Awards Dinner on October 25 was Terrell Williams, a Junior at Paterson Catholic High School and aspiring Division 1 basketball player. Williams served as one of the night’s student speakers and praised TCSF for giving him the opportunity through educational scholarships to overcome life’s hardships and attend a quality school.
Deidra Hansford, a 7th grader from St. Anthony School, shared her dream of becoming a business owner. She told the audience, “When you donate to Tri-County, your money is giving kids a chance to fulfill their dreams and be successful. Remember, you do make a difference!”
The event, held in Whippany at the Hanover Marriot, celebrated the achievements of TCSF recipients while raising nearly $800,000 for scholarship and leadership programs.
President Donna Meade-MacMillan remarked, that “in addition to raising scholarship funds, the dinner gave us a chance to honor friends of Tri-County who make a real difference in the lives of TCSF students and families.”
Among the business leaders helping to organize the dinner was Douglas Kennedy, President of NJ North Fork Bank, who was excited to be part of the effort to raise funds for student scholarships. “This year we are celebrating 23 years of successfully impacting children through quality value-centered education,” said Kennedy, reminding the audience that, “everything we’re doing tonight benefits these kids.”
TCSF, which will award over 915 children $830,000 to attend private schools this year, honored Robert J. McCann, Executive Vice President of Merrill Lynch and New York Knick forward Tim Thomas at the dinner.
Addressing the crowd, McCann spoke of the need to continue supporting TCSF and its work of providing disadvantaged children with the chance of a better life. With over 500 people in attendance, McCann’s words resonated as guests gave enthusiastic standing ovations to the students, the staff and the work of TCSF.
TCSF is fighting poverty through education in Passaic, Morris, and Sussex Counties, affording the most economically disadvantaged students the chance to succeed and to become future business and community leaders.