Food Security and Higher Education Grants Awarded

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund announces two grant awards in 2020. This donor advised fund donated $5,000 to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey for food security and $10,000 to Yale University for a higher education scholarship. The NNJCF concentrates on the focus areas of education, public health, civic engagement, the arts, philanthropy, and the environment.

Andrea Tilbian Halejian

Andrea Tilbian Halejian

Food Security and Higher Education Focus

This Fund remembers Wyckoff, New Jersey resident Andrea Tilbian Halejian and contributes to qualified charitable organizations she supported. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity increased tremendously. The contribution to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey also remembers Tilbian Halejian’s volunteerism at area food banks.

“Food insecurity now stretches even further amidst a global pandemic.  Our mother always sought to aid this. 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. Growing up, gathering around a table as a family was never something taken for granted.  Our parents constantly reminded us of the importance in helping others whenever we can,” said Alexis Halejian, Andrea Tilbian Halejian’s daughter and a member of the Fund’s Advisory Committee.

Sarah Halejian, daughter of the Fund’s namesake, served as captain of the Yale University women’s varsity basketball team. The grant honors her support of the college’s academics. The award provides a scholarship for an undergraduate student attending the postsecondary 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. Our mother especially enjoyed countless trips to New Haven to watch Sarah and the rest of the Yale Bulldogs play. She also instilled in us a balance between academics and athletics, and she would be thrilled that this year a scholarship is being awarded to a Yale student,” explained Alexis Halejian.

Philanthropic Services

For 22 years, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation has served northern New Jersey.  The Foundation also brings people and organizations together to address pressing issues and needs in the region. With a comprehensive menu of philanthropic opportunities, the NNJCF provides donors with flexible, efficient, and tax-effective ways to ensure their charitable giving has maximum impact through various types of funds, tax-saving annuities, and trust options.

“The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation helps donors connect with issues they care about.  Our donor services program offers flexible, easy ways for anyone to contribute to the community. Committed, civic-minded donors investing in their charitable interests at all levels are vital.  They also support the region and our communities’ health and well-being,” said Danielle De Laurentis, Associate Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.

For more information about the Foundation’s services, contact (201) 568-5608 or nnjcf@nnjcf.org.

 

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