Beloved Wyckoff Resident Remembered Through Grants

WYCKOFF, NJ — A local non-profit remembered long-time Wyckoff resident Andrea Tilbian Halejian through two grants through her namesake memorial fund.

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's (NNJCF) Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund awarded two grants to nonprofit organizations in her memory, according to a news release.

The NNJCF donor advised fund donated $5,000 to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and $10,000 to Yale University.

Based in Hackensack, the NNJCF is a non-profit organization which concentrates on the focus areas of education, public health, civic engagement, the arts, philanthropy, and the environment.

The NNJCF Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund contributes to qualified charitable organizations Halejian supported, a news release said.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity increased tremendously. The contribution to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey was intended to remember Tilbian Halejian's volunteerism at area food banks.

"Food insecurity, now stretched even further amidst a global pandemic, was always something our mother sought to aid. If she were still walking this earth, she would have immediately jumped in to see how she could support our food banks close to home," said Alexis Halejian, who is a member of the Fund's Advisory committee, and daughter of Tilbian.

Sarah Halejian, daughter of the Fund's namesake, served as captain of the Yale women's varsity basketball team.

The awarded to Yale honors her support of the college's academics, and provides a scholarship for an undergraduate student attending the post secondary institution.

"Our mother was our biggest cheerleader both on and off the court. She always loved watching our games and was a constant pillar of support throughout all three of our athletic careers," said Alexis Halejian.

"She especially enjoyed countless trips to New Haven to watch Sarah and the rest of the Yale Bulldogs play. She always instilled in us a balance between academics and athletics and would be thrilled that this year a scholarship is being awarded to a Yale student."