Hearts were warmed as stars, family members, and loved ones gathered on June 7, 2017 at the beautiful Crystal Plaza (Livingston, NJ) for the annual Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area African American Future Achievers (RMHC/AAFA) Scholarship Luncheon.
The New York Tri-State Area McDonald’s Owner/Operators Association hosted the elegant luncheon for 14 deserving high school graduating seniors from across the New York Tri-State Area who will be attending 4 year colleges and universities in the fall.
“The RMHC/African-American Future Achievers Scholarship program was designed to address the reality that many students of African descent face significant financial barriers to higher education,” said Christopher Perry, Executive Director or RMHC-NYSTA. “We are incredibly proud to offer 14 generous college scholarships this year to help these promising young students achieve their dreams of obtaining a higher education.”
“The New York Tri-State Area McDonald’s Owner/Operators Association and Ronald McDonald House Charities are always proud to support education in black communities by offering the African American Future Achievers scholarship to deserving high school graduating seniors,” said Paul Hendel, McDonald’s Owner Operator and McDonald’s New York Metro Co-Op President. “We are so proud to offer 14 scholarships totaling more than a quarter million dollars this year, and we look forward to raising more money to support more students in years to come.”
The luncheon was co-hosted by two-time New York Giants Super Bowl Champion, Kareem McKenzie and award-winning actor Tobias Truvillion from the #1 hit primetime series Empire. There were also two amazing musical performances, one from Melba Moore, who sang her heart felt song, “If You Believe,” and Alyson Williams, who sang one of her hits, “Just Call My Name”. The event also featured a special appearance by Cissy Houston.
RMHC/AAFA has been able to transform the lives of eligible graduating high school seniors who face limited access to educational opportunities by virtue of their financial background. With its college scholarship program, the nonprofit organization assists students in their efforts to reach their educational goals and their aspirations to become leaders of tomorrow.
