Plans Announced For "Salute To Mothers Scholarship Tea" At Bucks

NEWTOWN, PA — A “Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea” hosted by the Bucks County Community College Foundation will be held for its 16th year on Friday, April 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Newtown campus.

Year after year, the distinctive afternoon event helps raise scholarship funds for current student mothers who attend the Bucks County Community College, where guests will enjoy a tented tea affair with classic tea gourmet sandwiches and desserts within the beautiful Tyler Gardens.

This year, adding to the festive celebration, the theme will be “Hats off to Mothers," with guests encouraged to wear their best springtime hats. Featured speakers include BCCC’s College President, Dr. Felicia L. Ganther, and student Nicole Heary, the first Carolyn Fegley Memorial Award recipient. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased at: www.bucks.edu/discover/foundation/events/.

“Having a young child makes it almost impossible to get anything accomplished during the daylight hours, so most of the time I sacrifice sleep for schoolwork. It's a sacrifice I willingly make to be present in those crucial moments of my daughter’s childhood," said a student recipient of the Salute To Mothers Scholarship fund.

A Salute to Mother Scholarship recipient and her family in 2022. (Contributed)

“As someone who is currently raising a child and pursuing a degree, I know firsthand how challenging it is to be a scholar and a mom," said executive director Christina McGinley. "The Bucks County Community College Foundation believes that education improves lives, and an exceptional educational experience can be transformative. That sentiment drives our efforts to raise funds for the Salute to Mothers Scholarship. As the community’s college, we are proud to invest in the success of these remarkable women raising a family while attending Bucks. We know that earning a degree or credential is life-changing, and we want to do whatever we can to assist them. We are gratified to be able to support our scholar moms in their educational efforts.”

In 2007, faculty member Betty Tsai noticed mothers struggling to raise their families while pursuing a college education. The observation was the crux that motivated Tsai do something to help them. Since its creation, the Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea event has now raised $285,000, representing 185 scholarships. Sponsors of the 16th annual Salute to Mothers Scholarship include: Customers Bank, The First National Bank & Trust Co. of Newtown, Parx Casino, and the Fegley Law Firm.