SFIC rings in holiday season with festive student performances at annual Christmas Breakfast

The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) marked the return of a decades-long holiday tradition on Dec. 4, hosting its annual Christmas Breakfast at St. Michael School in Newark. The event brought together Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, alongside SFIC donors, staff, and students for a joyful celebration to ring in the holiday season.

All enjoyed a buffet of breakfast favorites, including sausages, eggs, and pastries, in the festively decorated school gym. Following the meal, Cardinal Tobin engaged with the students by answering their questions about his vocation and what inspired him to become a priest.

Nearly 100 students also showcased their talents, singing and dancing to holiday classics like “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” One especially creative skit featured a group of students traveling to the stage in a handcrafted model of the Polar Express.

“SFIC hosts a number of events throughout the year, but the Christmas Breakfast holds a special place in our hearts,” said Dr. Michelle L. Hartman, SFIC’s chief executive officer, who also thanked archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools Barbara Dolan and St. Michael School Principal Marilyn Gomez for their support in organizing the event. “It’s a unique opportunity for our donors to interact directly with the scholarship recipients, seeing firsthand how much attending an archdiocesan school means to them. It gives them a chance to witness the powerful impact of their contributions — providing children with an excellent education and Catholic values that will guide them throughout their lives.”

Beyond commemorating the holiday season, the Christmas Breakfast highlighted the success of SFIC’s efforts in 2024. This year, the nonprofit organization and longtime partner of the Archdiocese of Newark raised $3 million and distributed tuition assistance to over 1,000 students attending archdiocesan Catholic schools. Additionally, SFIC’s annual golf outing raised a record-breaking $250,000 in July, while its gala surpassed its fundraising goal by more than $100,000, collecting $470,000 to further support its mission.

SFIC’s next event is its annual High School Hoopfest, which has already raised approximately $100,000 in early donations. To learn more about SFIC or to contribute to its mission, visit www.sficnj.org.

Photos by the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children/Neil van Niekirk