West Orange Scholarship Needs Donors, Hear From Supporters (VIDEOS)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange African Heritage Organization. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The West Orange African Heritage Organization/WOAHO, has embarked on its first-ever public campaign to raise funds for the organization's Holcomb Scholarship.

“This is very exciting,” said Brent Scott, Vice President of WOAHO. Scott is a Professor of Graduate Studies in Business at Mercy University of New York and producer of the promotions.

"The reason for the campaign,” Scott said, “is that our venue, The VFW Hall in Roseland, where we hold our annual Denim and Diamond fundraiser, is unavailable this year. The Denim and Diamonds fundraiser typically brings in $10K - $15k dollars. When I reached out to ask our student scholarship recipients (many of whom are already away in college) to make a promo video, everyone was so very willing to do so. Our education professionals here in West Orange, Supt. Hayden Moore, Coach Grant and Science Teacher, Peter Tourian, could not have been more enthusiastic.”

Althia Tweiten, a former president of WOHAO and a generous donor to the scholarship fund said, "We will return next year with the dance! But for now, we must raise funds to support West Orange college-bound students."

Featured in the promotional video are several West Orange leaders and educators including Superintendent Hayden Moore, WOHS Head Football Coach Darnell Grant, educator and author Dr. Jacquelyn Blanton, her husband, John Blanton and the aforementioned long-time WOAHO leader and major scholarship contributor, Althia Tweiten. Several scholarship recipients are also featured, asking for support for the scholarship.

"In making the promotions, I thought it was an imperative to let donors see and hear from the student recipients themselves. It is important for donors to know that their contributions really do make a difference in whether our students are able to afford a higher education," Scott said.

Any graduating senior who resides in West Orange can apply for the Holcomb Scholarship at https://www.woaho.org/programs.

“The Denim and Diamond Dance is great fun! It brings people together, many of whom may not get to see each other but once a year. For now, we need everyone who would normally buy a ticket to the fundraiser to give to the scholarship and, renew their membership. The contribution is tax deductible, and it’s a great thing do for the future of West Orange. Our other annual fundraising event, Men Who Cook, will take place in June," Scott said.

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