“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.

St. Gerard Majella School students visited the Liberty Science Center recently and had a wonderful time.  The entire trip was wonderful and comments from the children indicate that the Touch Tunnel and the climbing wall were huge hits.  The giant bubble maker had many children gathered around it during the time the students visited that room and the big blue sneezing nose was memorable. Fabiana in Second Grade commented, “The big bubble was very cool. I had a wonderful day.” Omar from Grade Two said, “My three favorite things were the touch tunnel, the rock climbing wall and the animals.” Second Grade student, Melanie stated, “I would like to go again with my family.  Thank you for our field trip.” Christopher from Grade Five enthused, “I liked the rock climbing wall.  It was very hard and it was kind of hard to hold on to the many bumps on the wall.” I liked the giant bubble maker.  You have to grab the rope and pull it down to bring up the bar.  After you do that you will see a giant bubble.  I loved it!” exclaimed a Seventh grader. The Sixth Grade students had many short comments.  “It was a great day!” “Many memories made today.”  “I loved the nose that sneezed!”   “It was amazing!  Thanks a lot.” Overall the students had a great experience.  They learned many new things and had unique learning opportunities.  We are truly grateful. #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 */

Have you ever wanted to turn your trash into cash?  Turning scrap paper into money is just one of the ecological magic tricks that Steve Trash can do.  There were even more wonderful things to mystify the senses on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 when 130 students from the Academy of St. Francis of Assisi in Totowa visited the Community Theatre at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown, NJ.  At the theater the students in grades 4-8 were given the fantastic opportunity to see Steve Trash Rockin’ Eco Hero perform.  According to his website, Steve trash has traveled all over the planet performing magic tricks with garbage and teaching kids about ecology.  The students were amazed and confounded by the way Steve could take an ordinary item that might be considered trash and transform it into something magical.  Not only were the students entertained, they were also educated.  The students learned the difference between the terms reuse and recycle.  They also learned what things are recyclable.  According to 4th grade student Angela, “Steve Trash was funny and a good influence.”  This wonderful opportunity was made available to the students at St. Francis through the generosity of the Tri County Scholarship Fund. #gallery-2 { margin: auto; } #gallery-2 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-2 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-2 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

One on One with Steve Adubato from Tri-County Scholarship Fund on Vimeo.

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.

Toast for a Cause is the signature event presented each year by the Tri-County Scholarship Fund’s Young Professionals.  Toast will be held on May 3, 2013 in New York City.  Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 973-984-9600.  All proceeds will fund scholarships for needy, inner-city New Jersey kids in grades K-12. The NEW venue for this year’s Toast is the spectacular Midtown Loft and Terrace, conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, (5 minutes from both the 33rd street path station and NYC Penn Station). Midtown Loft and Terrace includes a huge wraparound outdoor rooftop space and amazing views of mid-town.  Enjoy an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, great music, dancing, and the chance to network and socialize with other young professionals who are actively seeking to make a difference for those less fortunate than themselves.  Tri-County Scholarship Fund’s Young Professionals mission is to support freedom through education for children in need.Toast for a Cause NYCPresented by Tri-County Young ProfessionalsFriday, May 3, 2013, 8PM – 1AM Midtown Loft and Terrace29th and 5th AveNew York, NY 10001 Tickets: $85$100 at the doorPurchase tickets below or call 973-984-9600. Mark the date, contact your friends, get out your dancing shoes, and get ready for an awesome night that will make a huge difference to a group of incredible kids. # of Tickets1 Ticket $85.00 USD2 Tickets $170.00 USD3 Tickets $255.00 USD4 Tickets $340.00 USD5 Tickets $425.00 USD6 Tickets $510.00 USD7 Tickets $595.00 USD8 Tickets $680.00 USD9 Tickets $765.00 USD10 Tickets $850.00 USDName of attendees

“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 */

Saturday, December 8 8:00pm – 10:30pm Dolce Hotel and Conference Center300 Maple Avenue Basking Ridge, New JerseyOpen to all those 21 years of age and over. Tri-County Scholarship Fund’s Young Professionals will host New Jersey’s premier charity event of the season for young professionals at Dolce Hotel and Conference Center on Saturday, December 8th. Called Thanks(for)Giving, the evening raises funds to provide scholarships for financially disadvantaged students from Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties, to attend private schools.  Our most recent fundraiser, Toast for a Cause NYC raised over $16,000.00 with 175 attendees. Thanks(for)Giving will include an open bar, music, networking, hors d’oeuvres and raffles.  Please join us for a night of charity, networking and entertainment.  For more information call Tri-County Scholarship Fund at 973-984-9600. Online Tickets: $50.00 per person ($ 60 at the door) # of Tickets1 Ticket $50.00 USD2 Tickets $100.00 USD3 Tickets $150.00 USD4 Tickets $200.00 USD5 Tickets $250.00 USD6 Tickets $300.00 USD7 Tickets $350.00 USD8 Tickets $400.00 USD9 Tickets $450.00 USD10 Tickets $500.00 USDGuest name(s)

“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 31st Tri-County Scholarship Fund Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 6PM at the Parsippany Hilton in Parsippany, New Jersey.  We are proud to have Tom Healey, a 2011 honoree and a long time Tri-County trustee and friend, as this year’s honorary Dinner Chair. Our greatest natural resource is our children.  As we celebrate 31 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, Peter Simon and Darla M. Romfo…. Philanthropically, Mr. Simon donates his time to a broad variety of charitable entities.  He serves as Co-Chairman of the William E. Simon Foundation and Chairman of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Board of Trustees.  He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Richard Nixon Foundation.  He is also a member of the Covenant House New Jersey Board of Directors.  Mr. Simon resides in Green Village, New Jersey, with his wife, Janet, and their four children, Peter Jr., Emily, Timmy and Cameron. Immediately prior to joining CSF, Ms. Romfo practiced law in both the public and private sectors. She worked on Capitol Hill from 1993 to 1999, serving as Legislative Director and Counsel to Senator John Breaux of Louisiana and Legislative Director and Tax Counsel to Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota.  Previously, she was an attorney in private practice specializing in tax law. 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 29,000 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 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 $25,000, 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 November 19th! Sincerely, Jo Ann Burk                                                          Joseph A. Gonnella Co-Chair                                                                 Co-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.

2012 Tri-County Scholarship Fund 20th Annual Golf Invitational Monday, June 25, 2012 Morris County Golf Club, Morristown NJ On Monday, June 25, Tri-County Scholarship Fund held its 20th annual golf outing at the Morris County Golf Club.  The day was a great success, significantly surpassing the goal of raising $150,000 for the children of Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties who receive scholarships to attend private schools. Originally slated for June 4th, the outing was postponed due to driving rain that had parts of the course underwater!  The June 25 date had only one interruption when the alarms went off and the golfers had to come in for ½ hour.  That break provided time for a cool drink and socializing on the verandah.  Other than that, the weather was terrific. The golf committee did a great job getting commitments in early for foursomes and this enabled them to concentrate on “new business” in the months leading up to the outing.  Ultimately, the outing had the 28 foursomes that the committee was planning on and hoping for.  One friend of Tri-County personally called five golf clubs and procured free foursomes for the silent auction. Committee members and trustees asked their friends for help with the silent auction, and help came.  Among the gifts was a BMW Mountain Bike, a trip for three in an airplane to see the local sights, a club membership to the posh Park Avenue Club, a foursome to the exclusive Trump National Golf Club and  tickets to a New York Yankees game, to name a few. Congratulations to the Golf Committee for another outstanding outing! #gallery-2 { margin: auto; } #gallery-2 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-2 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-2 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */