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Tri-County Scholarship Fund is on Facebook!!! Please help us get to 500 likes in the next few weeks.  Like us and then ask all your friends to like us. Why? Because we want everyone to know about the great work and the great kids of Tri-County.  While you’re at it, check out our very cool recent events.

Date: Monday, June 6, 2011 Tri-County Scholarship Fund’s 19th Annual Golf Invitational Tournament took place on Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Morris County Golf Club. Tri-County Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to economically disadvantaged students, without regard to race or religion, to attend private and parochial schools in grades K-12 in Passaic, Morris and Sussex counties. The tournament’s corporate sponsors include PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, and Bank of America. Golf Tournament Co-Chairs are Tri-County trustees Mark Bode, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and Rick DeBel, Senior Vice President, Bank of America. In the past two years Tri-County has provided $1.7MM in scholarships to over 1,000 students in grades K-12. 77% of Tri-county students Terrarium TV come from single parent families whose average income is less than $25,000.00. Gregory Floyd, President of Tri-County Scholarship Fund, remarked: “Through Tri-County we have the opportunity to reach out to a group of poor children who have enormous promise. The children we reach through Tri-County graduate high school at the rate of 99%. 96% of that group go straight to college, often the first in their families to do so. The Tri-County Golf Invitational helps us ensure that no student in our area has to leave a safe, high-performing school because of financial constraints. This event provides a great way to play golf at one of the country’s oldest and most historic courses, enjoy friends and family and entertain clients while contributing to one of the most important causes we can: the education of our children.” For more information on the Golf Outing or to inquire about other sponsorship opportunities, foursomes, silent auction items or volunteer opportunities, call (974) 984-9600 or e-mail questions@tcsfund.org.

Tri-County Scholarship Fund will be hosting its 1st Annual Lawyers for Tri-County Awards Reception on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30PM at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park.  On this festive occasion we will recognize four outstanding lawyers. Event Chairman: Invites you to join us in honoring: Through this event, funds are raised to support the Freedom Scholars program which is offered to students throughout Northern and Central New Jersey.  The Freedom Scholars program is geared to high school students of financial need as well as high academic achievement and potential.  It is a four-way partnership between Tri-County, participating high schools, students and their parents or guardians.  It enables these students to choose values-centered, high performing private schools.  Tri-County awards scholarship slightly less than half the tuition cost and the participating school matches it dollar for dollar, leaving the family to pay the remainder.  This is a commitment for 4 years of high school. Please come and join us. For more information call 973-984-9600 or e-mail Minnie Simon at msimon@tcsfund.org. Click here for the invitation and registration form. Click here to donate now.

Tri-County’s Farm Day 2009 was held October 28th at Serenity Hills Farm in Hunterdon County, through the generosity of a TCSF Trustee. As part of TCSF’s leadership development program, Farm Day gave over 150 students from elementary schools in Paterson, Clifton, and Passaic City the chance to experience nature first-hand through hayrides, pumpkin picking and other fall activities. The children also received instruction on how to groom and ride ponies and ended the day with a marshmallow roast over an open fire. Farm Day helped TCSF recipients escape city life and take part in a hands-on learning experience outside of the classroom. The event also allowed TCSF staff, trustees and Friends of TCSF to meet and interact with some of the children who receive scholarships from TCSF. Please join TCSF in making a difference in our local communities. A little effort from many people can change the world where we live. TCSF is breaking the cycle of poverty by affording education opportunity to economically disadvantaged students in northern New Jersey.

“Sandy may have delayed us, but she couldn’t keep us down!” That phrase sums up the attitude of the trustees, honorees and the dinner committee who worked to ensure that the Tri-County Scholarship Fund 31st Annual Awards Dinner would take place, despite the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.   The dinner, originally slated for October 29th, was postponed until November 19th.  Despite many setbacks and inconveniences, some 400 people gathered to honor Peter Simon and Darla Romfo and to raise more than $780,000 in scholarship funds for New Jersey inner-city children. Tri-County, which was begun in 1981, is a non-profit organization that provides financial support to deserving and economically disadvantaged children in Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties.  Since its beginning, the fund has raised over $21 million and given in excess of 29,000 scholarships to students in grades K-12. The dinner, held at the Parsippany Hilton, began with a selection of classic American songs sung by the scholarship students who were present.   Guests were also treated to inspiring stories from an 8th grader, Kaitlyn Fana, and a high school senior, Mahogany Godfrey.  Ms. Godfrey, who is from Paterson and attends De Paul Catholic High School in Wayne, spoke movingly about loss in her life, including the loss of her first high school due to school closures.   That loss, following closely on the deaths of her father, grandfather and grandmother, was extremely difficult.  Speaking of her discovery of DePaul Catholic High School, Mahogany said: “They seemed like a family, like they knew what pain I was feeling and they were going to help me get through.  Tri-County Scholarship Fund helped me and my family out tremendously because they gave me money to go to DePaul.”  Summing up her experience, Mahogany exclaimed: “Who knew that the sophomore transfer could become the Student Council President today?” Due to the schedule change, Darla Romfo, president and COO of the Children’s Scholarship Fund, was unable to be present.  Darla will be given Tri-County’s Making a Difference award in Manhattan in December. For many, the highlight of the night was the remarks of Peter Simon, who received the Hall of Fame award.   Mr. Simon is the co-chairman of W.E. Simon and Sons and an appointed member of the New Jersey Board of Education.  Noting the fact that in Paterson 55% of incoming freshmen will not graduate four years later, he spoke passionately about their limited options and the likelihood of jail for many of them.  Addressing the crowd, Mr. Simon said: “I am proud of you all because you are here tonight to stop this nightmare.   We are giving 600 children another year in a good school where they will be fed and educated.  Fed – yes, that’s what I said.  Nutrition helps the mind function and 90% of the families Tri-County serves qualify for the Federal School Meal Plan.  But the education part of their story is the real triumph: this past year, every Tri-County senior graduated from high school and 99% of them went on to college.  A high school education is a game-changer in people’s life pattern for earnings.” He continued: “I feel privileged because I have been given the chance for a few minutes to tell a crowd about this.  Congratulations for being here and helping.  I am humbled because of my good fortune of being born in a zip code where I received the education and prospered in the network that it afforded me.  I have no idea why me and not someone else.  But I know I need to help and thanks to all of you for doing the same.  We all live in the most generous country in the world by a long shot.  Fiscal cliff be damned!!!  My heart is filled with thanksgiving for our blessings enjoyed and shared by the Tri-County family.  Thank you.” Anyone interested in helping Tri-County Scholarship Fund improve the lives of New Jersey’s vulnerable children, please contact us at www.tcsfund.org or call 973 984-9600.  #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Another first in the annals of Tri-County Scholarship Fund occurred on Friday, November 8th, as the fund hosted its inaugural Women of Tri-County Awards Luncheon  at the Morris County Golf Club.  The focus of the awards luncheon is to honor the work of outstanding New Jersey women and to raise funds for the Freedom Scholars program of Tri-County Scholarship Fund. Offered to incoming high school freshmen, the Freedom Scholars program offers scholarships to young men and women of great academic promise as well as financial need.  Offered to incoming freshman and renewed every year, it provides for a virtually tuition free passage to a number of New Jersey’s great high schools.  Schools partner with the Fund to cover the majority of the students’ financial needs.  In addition to financial help, Freedom Scholars are given mentors who are among the most seasoned teachers and staff at the respective schools, tutoring as needed, SAT prep and college essay prep. For the inaugural luncheon, five women were chosen to be the honorees.  They are Barbara Kaufmann, Executive Vice-President of the Newark Regional Business Partnership; Katherin Nukk-Freeman,Esq., co-founder of the management side employment law firm of Nukk-Freeman and Cerra in Chatham Township; Lelia Pappas, Principal of Blessed Sacrament School in Paterson; Meg Paradise, award winning Talent Management and Leadership Strategist; and Heather Suarez, Esq., Partner at Walder, Hayden and Brogan, PA in Roseland.  Linda Bowden, regional president of PNC Bank, served as the Master of Ceremonies. A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation by Chrystal Donayre, a Freedom Scholar and sophomore at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon.  After commenting on the wonderful opportunities offered to her at this school, she went on to say:  “Entering my freshman year, I was chosen as a Freedom Scholar.  Without my Freedom Scholarship, I would not have been able to attend Mary Help.  As the daughter of a single mother of two, I live with my mother and youngest brother in Paterson, NJ.  My mother is from Lima, Peru where she was born and raised until the age of 19 when she came to the U.S.  My parents divorced when I was about 4, and since then my father is not around much.  I do not get to speak to nor see him as regularly as a father and daughter should.  Therefore I consider my mother both a mother and father to me.  I love my mother and my brother unconditionally which is why I strive my best to make them proud.  Being at Mary Help makes me feel as though a wide door to a bright future has been opened to me!” It was not difficult, after Chrystal spoke, for the men and women in attendance to move to  ensure that other talented young men and women, like Chrystal, would have the opportunity to thrive in schools that offer a values-based curriculum, a sense of community and a culture of high performance.  To that end, $18,000.00 was raised to put the Freedom Scholars program on secure financial footing.  And that is only the beginning!  More information about the Freedom Scholars Program, may be accessed at http://www.tcsfund.org/new-jersey-scholarship-awards/freedom-scholars-program/. #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Take a Swing for Education 2013 Tri-County Scholarship Fund 21st Annual Golf Invitational Monday, June 3, 2013 Morris County Golf Club, Morristown NJ Calling all golfers!  Join us in continuing the tradition of supporting our students through our 21st annual golf outing at the Morris County Golf Club on Monday, June 3rd.  While you are having fun, you are giving a student the gift of an education through your support for this event. Morris County Golf Club, which was organized in 1894, is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in New Jersey and has been home to the US Women’s Amateur and US Men’s Amateur. Your participation helps Tri-County to partner with its student beneficiaries and their families, providing need-based scholarships that help to cover the cost of a student’s tuition.  The success is measurable: last year 100% of Tri-County seniors graduated from high school and, of that group, 96% went on to college.  Consider the following: The average income of the families (family of four) receiving TCSF assistance is under $27,000. 77% of the families are single parent households. 90% of our recipients qualify for the Federal government’s free or reduced lunch program. Our recipients represent the diversity of their communities: 71% Hispanic, 13% Caucasian, 11% African-American and 5% others. Since 1981, TCSF has awarded more than 30,000 scholarships. We are looking for sponsors and auction items.  Please let us know if you can help. You can make a difference!  It’s the future!  It’s the kids!  Be a part of it! CLICK HERE to see the brochure.  Call (973) 984-9600 to register.

Mayra When Mayra immigrated with her mother to the United States from Peru 12 years ago she could only speak Spanish. “But within a few months”, her mother Sara said, “Mayra was working hard to learn English and doing well in school”. Mayra did so well at Mary Help of Christian’s Academy that she was recently awarded a scholarship to attend UCLA as a pre-med major. She discovered her calling is to become an oncologist after both grandparents died of cancer and she had the opportunity to intern in the Healthcare Connections enrichment program. “The program isn’t solely focused on studies but also the personal aspects of health care. I feel the profession of oncology could completely fulfill me.” “We try to provide an environment where students rise to academic success and are introduced to a variety of enriching programs and activities that give them a taste of future professions,” said Dominic Stimola, Vice Principal at Mary Help of Christians Academy. Another experience was The March Leadership Retreat in Stony Point, New York that Mayra said was a turning point in her life. “I learned a lot about faith and guidance. It was empowering” said Mayra. “This was a great investment by Tri-County” says Stimola about Mayra’s scholarships, “Mayra is very much a leader.” Mayra said her proudest achievement is being awarded her school’s prestigious Letterman Award for contributing the most hours to a range of school activities that benefit her school. “I’m so happy that I could bring it back to my school community…I couldn’t have done it without Mr. Stimola, my mother, Tri-County, and my teachers. I owe it all to them. They all helped shape me into the person I am.” Allison Allison knows the value of having a great mentor.  Her older sister, a Mary Help of Christians Academy alumni and a recent college grad now embarking on a successful career in business, was Allison’s guide in high school. “She became my role model”, says Allison, “she let me know what I needed to focus on.  Even in my freshman year, the main thing was preparing for college.” Allison took her sister’s advice to heart and invested the time to do well academically throughout her four years of high school. She received a junior MBA award, served as Secretary for Student Council, and did exceptionally well in each of her four honors courses as well as finding time to participate in dance club and year book. Her big sister consistently mentored her, providing her with savvy advice and keeping her on track for success.  “She told me when I had to start preparing for SATs and to research the colleges in depth.” This attention, along with Allison’s determination and drive has really paid off.  She was accepted to all 15 colleges she applied to and has decided to attend Rutgers, New Brunswick on a full scholarship in the fall, with the intent of focusing on business and engineering. Just as important for Allison and her family was the support provided by her school and Tri-County to help her gain values that will last a lifetime. “I’m very thankful to have all these people in my life to support me, including my sister and my mom.  I especially want to say thank you to Tri-County and everyone who supports them” said Allison, “without their help I wouldn’t have been able to attend private school and be fully prepared for the next stepping stone in my life.  I’m very lucky.” We have no doubt that Allison and Mayra, like so many other alumni, will become accomplished adults who will eventually “pay it forward” to future Tri-County scholarship students.

Press Release October 10, 2013Contact:  Gregory Floyd                 973 984-9600                 gfloyd@tcsfund.org SISTER FRANCIS RAFTERY TO BE HONORED BY TRI-COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP FUND AT OCTOBER 28, 2013 AWARD DINNER Sister Francis Raftery, the immediate past President of the College of St. Elizabeth and long-time leader in Catholic education, will be honored by the Tri-County Scholarship Fund (TCSF) at its 32nd Annual Awards Dinner on October 28, 2013.  In an interview with TCSF’s President Gregory Floyd, Sister Francis describes the transformative power of education and celebrates her involvement in TCSF over more than 30 years. Sister Francis Raftery, S.C. has spent a life-time as a Catholic Educator.  She has been an advocate for faith-based schools on the State and National levels.  The National Catholic Education Association named her Educator of the Year.  Sister Francis served as the Chairperson of the Education Department at the College of Saint Elizabeth and through her ministry was responsible for providing Professional Development for teachers, parents and school principals for the past 38 years.  Between 1997 and 2013, she served as the sixth President of the College of St. Elizabeth.  In June 2013, the Board of Trustees of the College of St. Elizabeth named her Distinguished President Emerita. Sister Francis has served on the Boards of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Saint Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, Saint Claire’s Health System in Denville, and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.  Presently, she is serving in the Office of Patient Relations at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Passaic. Sister Francis holds a doctorate in education from New York University and a master of arts in guidance and counseling from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.  A native of Kearny, N.J., she entered the Sisters of Charity after earning her bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary education from New Jersey City University.  She taught at the elementary and secondary levels before joining the College of St. Elizabeth. Sister Francis’ support for TCSF goes back to its very inception and spans more than 30 years.  “Tri-County is proud to honor Sr. Francis for her many years of dedication to education and her long term commitment to Tri-County’s mission to help bring quality education to our area’s neediest children,” said Gregory Floyd. The Interview In an online interview, Sr. Francis shares some of her wisdom gained in a life of dedication to education and service to the needs of the less fortunate: Question:  Having spent many years personally involved in the education of young people, what do you believe are the most important goals in K-12 education? Sr. Francis:  “Goals – the over-all goal of Catholic Education is transformative – that our children learn to Love God and one another.  In this context the process of education begins and continues to prepare them for life in the 21st century.” Question:  How have you witnessed the difference that quality education can make in the life of a child? Sr. Francis:  “A quality education moves the child through the transformative process systematically and developmentally.  Children who have this experience are self-confident, other centered, and ready to make a difference in the world.” Question:  What are you most proud of in your tenure at St. Elizabeth’s? Sr. Francis:  “My time at CSE was blessed with the shared leadership of a remarkable leadership team.  They in turn joined me in providing the environment for preparing our students to make a difference in the world.” Question:  What attracted you to Tri-County? Sr. Francis:  “I have been involved in Tri-County support since its inception.  The focus on welcoming and supporting children of great promise into values-based educational settings is an inspiration for all.” Question:  How did you learn about Tri-County? Sr. Francis:  “I learned about Tri County through the great leadership of Bishop Rodimer and Ed Hennessey.  I also saw the dedication of the members of the Board of Tri-County as they met at CSE each month to strategize and plan for the Scholarship Benefit each year.  They are a remarkable group dedicated to improving the quality of life for our students and their families.  With these resources the dedicated teachers and principals make it happen.” Question:  What would you say to encourage others to support TCSF? Sr. Francis:  “Come and see the wonders of TCSF – meet the students and the families.  As you do you will be compelled to support this wonderful work.” Question:  Finally, what words of encouragement would you give to TCSF recipients and their parents who struggle to overcome challenges to obtaining a quality education? Sr. Francis:  “Providence can provide, Providence did provide, and Providence will provide when good and generous people share in your hopes and dreams.” The 2013 Awards Dinner To hear more from Sr. Francis, please attend TCSF’s Annual Dinner on October 28, 2013 at the Hanover Marriott.  The TCSF Annual Dinner seeks to raise $800,000 to provide hundreds of scholarships for some of the area’s neediest children. Since its founding in 1981, TCSF has provided more than $20,000,000 in scholarships to thousands of the neediest children of Morris, Sussex and Passaic Counties.  The majority of these children come from families that live at or below the poverty level.  Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need and help students of all races, religions and backgrounds to attend private schools in grades K through twelve. – For more information about TCSF or the Annual Awards Dinner, for interview opportunities or to make a donation, please contact Gregory Floyd at (973) 984-9600 (gfloyd@tcsfund.org) or visit Tri-County’s web site at http://www.tcsfund.org.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.  Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Dear Friends, It is our pleasure to extend to you an invitation to attend the 32nd Tri-County Scholarship Fund Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, October 28, 2013 at 6PM at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey. Our greatest natural resource is our children.  As we celebrate 32 years of providing a values-based education for many children living at poverty levels in northern New Jersey, we ask for your support to help lift a child out of poverty and give him, or her, the hope of a brighter future.  It is up to each one of us. A Word About Our Honorees, John C. Parry, Sr. Francis Raftery, S.C. and Walter and Irene Crum…. Under Parry’s leadership, the company has increased its revenue nearly 250 percent and has created hundreds of jobs in addition to completing two tactical acquisitions to complement Solix’s portfolio of services. The company also successfully entered the commercial market while expanding its services to the government sector. Two hallmarks of Solix’s corporate culture fostered under Parry have been creating a flexible work environment and a commitment to promoting community service. Solix offers a diverse set of work/life policies, technical training and education assistance while also providing employees with two paid days for volunteer work and a matching gift program.  The company has earned six consecutive Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility and has been chosen as one of New Jersey’s ‘best places to work’ by NJBIZ magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, Parry was invited to speak in Congress at a Briefing focused on workplace policies that help American businesses stay competitive in the global marketplace. Parry’s educational background includes a BA in English from University of South Carolina and an MBA from Pace University.  He also completed the Tuck Executive Program at Dartmouth College. John and his wife Vicki have two daughters and six grandchildren. During her tenure, the school completed more than $54 million in projects on the campus, established its doctoral programs in educational leadership and counseling psychology, and added several master’s degrees. As a professor of Education and department Chairperson, she designed and implemented the College’s Education major, its field experience component and its student/transfer advisement program.  The College of Saint Elizabeth bestowed on her its prestigious Seton Award in 1991 and she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Seton Hall University in 2004.  In June 2011, the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education honored Sister Francis with the Sister Rose Thering Award, given for her support of educational and community programs and activities that combat bias, bigotry and intolerance. On June 7, 2013 the Board of trustees named Sister Francis President Emerita. For the past six years, he has served as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Oratory, spearheading a $10 Million capital campaign designed to improve facilities and make more scholarship money available to needy students.  Mr. Crum received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award in 1994. Irene is also a Science teacher.  She came to Oratory after 4 years at Union Catholic High School  in Scotch Plains.  Mrs. Crum received a B.S. in Biology from St. Peter’s College in 1975, and completed her Comprehensive Science K-12 N.J. Certification in 1976.  She has taught Science, Math and Religion courses in her 20+ years in education.  The Crums have four sons who attended Oratory and, in addition to two granddaughters, a grandson who they hope will one day enter the Class of 2026! A Word About Our Students…David Ortiz, a Tri-County scholar and Rutgers graduate, “beat the odds.”  He has since embarked on a career at GE where he is Manager of Human Resources. “If you live in a great neighborhood you have doors open for you…kids that don’t…don’t have doors open for them.  Tri- County instilled in me the confidence to follow my dream.  Growing up in Paterson, I was pulled in many directions.  However, I developed a positive inner voice and decided I wasn’t going to hang out with certain friends and that I had to do what was right for me.  The people at Tri-County saw my potential and encouraged me to reach for my goals.  It’s different when someone outside your family sees your potential, than trying to realize this on your own.  You can’t put a dollar sign on that.  Their encouragement started a spark in me and gave me hope to believe in myself and to reach for my dream.  My dream was to leave Paterson, work for a good company, get married and start a family.  I’m now living my dream and giving hope to others so that they can reach for their dreams.” David is now a board member for Community Shelter Services where he is developing a plan that will give people the skills to attain jobs in local manufacturing companies in Erie, Pennsylvania. A Word About Our Results…Since 1981, Tri-County has funded over 30,000 scholarships to students from kindergarten through 12th grade which have changed the lives of thousands of children.  With your support you will be changing lives, one student at a time.  Truly, there is no better return on your investment.  This year, 99% of Tri-County seniors graduated from high school and virtually that entire group is headed to college this Fall, most of them the first in their families to do so.  Our students count on the generosity of friends and donors.  With average single parent family incomes of $28,000, they cannot succeed without your help.  So please, right now, take a minute to send your check for dinner tickets, a table, and/or an ad in our program journal. On behalf of all the students of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund, we sincerely thank you.  We look forward to seeing you at the Tri-County Dinner on October 28th! Sincerely, Paul Boudreau Dinner Chair P.S. If you have questions, please call the Tri-County office at 973-984-9600. View Sponsorship Opportunities HERE. Call 973-984-9600 to register for a Chancellor, Founder or Leader Sponsorship. Click here to register for a Graduate or Scholar Sponsorship, Benefactor or Single Reservation. Click here to register for a Journal Listing. Click here if you cannot attend and would like to make a contribution.