Bergen Gala Raises Over $200,000 for Scholarships
PARAMUS, N.J. – The Bergen Community College Foundation hosted its inaugural “Scholarship Gala” on December 3 at The Venetian in Garfield, raising more than $200,000 for student scholarships. Over 300 community leaders, elected officials, donors, faculty, staff, alumni and students attended the organization’s signature fundraising event that recognized Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chair Kevin O’Toole, the Southpole Foundation and Dr. Hillel Ephros for their commitment to supporting education.
“I am incredibly proud of the Bergen Community College Foundation Board of Directors for their leadership and helping to make this event a success,” Foundation Board Chair Dan Foley said. “I am also grateful for the many donors who contributed through sponsorships, pledges and ticket purchases. These acts of generosity will literally transform our students’ lives through scholarships that allow them to pursue their academic aspirations.”
Event speakers included Bergen President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and students who have benefited from scholarships.
“We come together as supporters of Bergen Community College students who want to do better for themselves and their families,” Friedman said. “That’s the heart of the matter. We are a lifeline to people in our community. Pursuing the dream of a college education often takes a back seat when a student needs heat for their home, food for their family, or gas for their car to ensure they can drive to work.”
O’Toole received the “Community Torch Award” for his contributions as a regional leader, attorney and former elected official. In addition to his role as Port Authority chair, he founded, and serves as a managing partner of, O’Toole Scrivo, LLC. Among his elected positions, O’Toole led Cedar Grove as mayor and had multiple terms as a state assemblyman and senator.
Representatives of the Southpole Foundation accepted the “Philanthropy Award” for their sustained efforts to support the College for the last two decades. Established in 2003 as the Khym Foundation, the organization supports underserved members of the New York and New Jersey community. The family members behind the foundation established the iconic streetwear brand - Southpole - in the 1990s.
Dr. Hillel Ephros received the “Dedication to Education Award” for his years of service as a Bergen dental hygiene faculty member and leader in the regional medical community. He directs the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson as chair of the Department of Dentistry and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery at the hospital.
Elected officials from the County of Bergen, Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39) and Assemblymen Robert Auth (R-39) and John Azzariti (R-39) presented each of honorees with legislative commendations.
The event featured more than two dozen sponsors: the Perino Family Foundation; Russo Development; the Southpole Foundation, DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP; Daniel Foley; Ellucian; Holly Schepisi; Joel & Joel, LLP; the Marcello & Graziano Roviaro Foundation; Montana Construction; O'Toole Scrivo; Stephanie Jeanette-Reynolds and Reynolds Asset Management; Traphahen CPAs & Wealth Advisors; Veolia; ADP; Bergen New Bridge Medical Center; the Choi Family Foundation; Daniel Allen; In-Line Air Conditioning Co.; the Judith Ehm Foundation; Judy Chang Law Firm; the Kamlaben & Raojibhai Patel Family Foundation; Mi Na Ahn; Novins, York, Jacobus & Dooley; Pharmasphere; and RSC Architects.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, the Foundation awards student scholarships in amounts up to and including the full cost of tuition, fees and educational expenses to help them remain enrolled by reducing financial barriers to continuing at the College. Donors contribute to the Foundation through one-time gifts, endowments and grants. Contribute at Bergen.edu/donate.
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
Photo Caption: Bergen Community College President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., and Bergen Community College Foundation Director/Chief Development Officer Peter Kirk thanked student ambassadors who volunteered their time at the gala.
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