Willow Grove NAACP Banquet To Support Local Students Via Scholarships

WILLOW GROVE, PA — The Willow Grove Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its 47th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet this weekend and will support scholarships for local students.

The banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Willow Grove Park.

Proceeds from the banquet will award local high school students in Montgomery County with $1,000 scholarships.

Sunday's event marks the celebratory return for the banquet after being canceled the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first time a major fundraising event will be held at Willow Grove Park.

The Freedom Fund Banquet provides scholarships and community service awards for students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, honors, and future goals across schools in Abington, Hatboro/Horsham, Upper Dublin, Upper and Lower Moreland, and Jenkintown.

This year’s event will feature youth performers, such as "Showtime at the Apollo" finalist Nathanael Barlow, and inspirational speakers, such as Governor Josh Shapiro and Mistress of Ceremonies Keir Bradford-Grey.

"We are thrilled to bring back our Freedom Fund Banquet after a two-year hiatus," said Dr. Jana Mallis, 2nd Vice President and Banquet Chair of the Willow Grove Branch of NAACP. "With almost 300 guests expected to attend, we knew Willow Grove Park would be the perfect venue to host this special celebration. With such strong ties to the community, the mall team understands the importance of bringing everyone together to raise funds for the next generation of leaders."

Tickets are $70 for adults and $30 for child.

Get them on the chapter's website here and on Eventbrite.

"Willow Grove Park is honored to be chosen to host such an inspiring event," said Karisa Washam, Marketing Director at Willow Grove Park. "We are committed to supporting the advancement of impactful organizations like the NAACP, and we look forward to celebrating the educational achievements of the community right here at the mall."