Two Summit Residents to be Honored at November 7 Gala

Tri-County Scholarship Fund

Contact: Gregory Floyd

973-984-9600

gfloyd@tcsfund.org

4 Century Drive

Parsippany, NJ 07054

PHOTO attached

-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --

TWO SUMMIT RESIDENTS TO BE HONORED AT NOVEMBER 7 GALA

Kevin Cummings, CEO of Investors Bank, and The Mary Farrell Family, both of Summit, New Jersey, will be honored at the the 35th Anniversary Gala of Tri-County Scholarship Fund, to be held on November 7, at the Hanover Marriott, in Whippany, NJ.

"Tri-County Scholarship is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of these two honorees who have made a great difference in improving the quality of education, and the educational options for young people, especially those of financial need, living in New Jersey, " said Tri-County President, Gregory Floyd. Since 1981 Tri-County Scholarship Fund has awarded K-12 grade scholarships to financially needy students in northern NJ to attend quality, independent schools. The two founders of Tri-County Scholarship Fund, Bishop Frank Rodimer, and Mr. Ed Hennessey, formerly CEO of Allied Signal, will also be honored at the 35th Anniversary event. Tickets to the November 7 Gala dinner event are available at www.tcsfund.org

The Mary Farrell Family - Making a Difference Award Winner

"Education has been a top priority for the Farrell Family for many years. The family's contributions to education at all levels, makes them deserving recipients of Tri-County's Making A Difference Award." commented Gregory Floyd. As long time benefactors of Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, NJ. Mary and her late husband, Michael AJ Farrell, founder and former CEO of Annaly Capital Management, spearheaded major capital improvements, and helped build the school's endowment. In 2004, Mary and Mike founded The Maeve Foundation, Inc., which supports initiatives designed to educate the whole child through active learning and community service, and providing grants for capital improvements, literacy programs, the arts and professional development.

In 2011, the Farrells were the lead contributors for a new state-of-the-art building at Wake Forest School of Business. "Farrell Hall" was named in memory of Michael AJ Farrell's immigrant father, a laborer who felt that education was not within his grasp. Mary currently serves on the Wake Forest University Board of Trustees and has served on the JerseyCAN board since its inception in 2012. JerseyCAN advocates for all students across the state of New Jersey to have access to a high quality education that will prepare them either for a career or college.

As a family "Team Farrell" has worked to support charities such as the Ronald McDonald House in NYC. After the passing of Michael AJ Farrell, the family established "The Toxic Avengers" which participates in the Bay Head 5K to raise money for the research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Kevin Cummings, CEO of Investors Bank - Hall of Fame Award

"Tri-County is honored to recognize Kevin Cummings as Tri-County's 2016 Hall of Fame Award Winner. Kevin is a highly respected leader in the New Jersey business community, and a long time supporter of causes supporting youth and education," said Gregory Floyd. Born and raised in Jersey City, Mr. Cummings is one of five siblings. He and his wife, Patricia, reside in Summit, where Mr. Cummings has served as a Commissioner on the Summit Board of Recreation. He is a Trustee of The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children, a Trustee of the Liberty Science Center, a Trustee for the Visiting Nurse Assn. Health Group and the former Chairman of the Board of the New Jersey Bankers Association. Kevin serves as a board member of The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY), the Independent College Fund of New Jersey, the All Stars Project of New Jersey, Greater Trenton and The Community Foundation of NJ. He also serves as a member of the Development Leadership Council of Morris Habitat for Humanity.

A 1976 graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont with a BA in Economics, Mr. Cummings was the recipient of the Harry M. Fife Award for Excellence in Economics and Athletics. While at Middlebury, he played basketball and baseball, and ended his basketball career as the school's all-time leading scorer. After college graduation he earned a Masters in Business Administration from Rutgers University School of Business and gave the commencement address for the MBA Program's graduation ceremony in May 2013.

Mr. Cummings has also coached youth basketball in Summit at the AAU, recreation and CYO level, and has served as the Athletic Director of St. Teresa of Avila Church.

About Tri-County Scholarship Fund

The mission of Tri-County Scholarship Fund is to provide funds for economically disadvantaged, and inner-city students of northern New Jersey, to attend independent schools that offer quality, values-based education. 98-100% of Tri-County students graduate from high school. Since its inception in 1981, TCSF has provided over 30,000 scholarships to needy New Jersey K-12 students, totaling over $25 million in scholarships over the past 35 years. Those interested are invited to purchase tickets to the November 7 Tri-County Scholarship Fund 35th Anniversary Gala, online at www.tcsfund.org