WESTFIELD AREA Y ACHIEVERS BANQUET A HUGE SUCCESS

On Friday, March 6th, over 135 participants and supporters gathered at L’Affaire in Mountainside to celebrate the Westfield Area Y’s 17th Annual Achievers Fundraising and Recognition Banquet. The Connell Company presented a very generous $25,000 check for college scholarships for graduating seniors and students already attending college. This year’s banquet featured “Words of Wisdom: Travel as a Supplement to Education” presented by Professional Triple Threat Artist, Mansa K. Mussa, and Keynote Speaker WNBA All Star, Tamecka Dixon.

The original Black Achievers, now the Westfield Y Achievers program began at the Westfield Area Y 17 years ago and matches youth with achieving African-American and other minority professionals as role models in an effort to raise the academic standards of young people, expose students to diverse career options and inspire them to reach their goals. Achievers also participate in community service activities, celebrate their history, culture and traditions, receive college prep tutoring and essay assistance.

Please contact Janice A. Carthens at (908) 233-2700 x227 or e-mail jcarthens@westfieldynj.org or Nadya Lawrence at x412 or e-mail nlawrence@westfieldynj.org for more information on the Achievers program. Donations to support the program are accepted throughout the year and can be made online at www.westfieldynj.org.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Pictured here: Westfield Area Y Achievers program, participants, staff and this year’s keynote speakers surround a very generous contribution from The Connell Company for college scholarships.