Tri-State Italian American Congress donates $40K for Catholic school scholarships
The Christmas spirit was on display on Dec. 19 when the Tri-State Italian-American Congress presented a $40,000 check to Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark to fund needs-based scholarships for Catholic school students of Italian heritage. The generous gift – presented by Ralph A. Contini, the Congress’s executive director and treasurer and George L. Greco, a Congress board member – will be distributed to Italian-American students who meet the scholarship fund’s requirements.
“On behalf of our officers and members of the Tri-State Italian American Congress, we are pleased to continue the scholarship program, now in its ninth year,” Contini said.
“The Tri-State has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the Archdiocese of Newark,” he said, adding that the Congress was grateful for the cardinal’s continuing support. “Over the years, the Tri-State has proudly provided $260,000 to support the schools and families of this archdiocese.”
Supporting faith-based Catholic education
Contini said that the Congress was inspired by the late Judge Louis Fusco, Jr. and Cardinal Edward Egan, the former Archbishop of New York, who died in 2015. “These two remarkable individuals were our spiritual and guiding forces throughout the years, and we remember them with gratitude today.”
“We are very grateful for the Tri-State Italian-American Congress’ generosity,” said Superintendent of Catholic Schools Barbara Dolan, who attended the presentation. “Through the scholarship award program, the Tri-State Italian-American Congress provides support to families who have chosen to provide their children with a Catholic education. It’s great to have this support as we work together to promote the values of our Catholic faith.”
Contini said that the Congress had helped many financially-challenged families “provide their children with an academically excellent, faith-based Catholic education.”
“We look forward to continuing our support of Catholic education for many years to come,” he said.
Featured image: Tri-State Italian-American Congress Executive Director and Treasurer Ralph A. Contini and Board Member George L. Greco present a $40,000 check to Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., on Dec. 19. (Photo by Shania Mosquera / Archdiocese of Newark)
