Short Hills Pastor Honored At Scholarship Gala – Patch.com

MILLBURN, NJ — At a gala to raise money for underprivileged students attending Archdiocese of Newark schools, the pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills — Rev. Msgr. Robert E. Harahan — was honored for his commitment to education.

The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children raised $300,000 this year to fund partial tuition assistance scholarships for underprivileged students in Archdiocese of Newark schools. The annual gala was held in West Orange’s Pleasantdale Chateau on Nov. 11.

Hosted by television journalist Marsha MacCallum, nearly 300 guests attended the gala, including Cardinal Joseph Tobin — Archbishop of Newark. Rev. Harahan was one of three people honored for their commitment to education at the event.

A silent auction also raised $35,000 for the fund.

Many recipients of the scholarship attended, including students from St. Joseph the Carpenter School in Roselle. Sean Bragdon — a student of Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange — spoke at the event and shared how his scholarship helped his single mother send him to Seton Hall while she was working four jobs to pay the bills.

“These scholarships make a big difference in students’ lives,” said Dr. Michelle Hartman, SFIC’s Chief Executive Officer. “They give the opportunity to have a really solid education and bright future. Education is power. It opens doors for kids who wouldn’t necessarily have doors opened for them otherwise. And we’re very grateful for all our honorees, board members, and donors who make these scholarships possible.”

Originally founded in 1883, the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children is a non-profit organization financed by corporations, foundations and individual donors who wish to invest in the future of economically-disadvantaged children living in neighboring communities. In the past, the fund has provided more than $54 million in partial-tuition assistance to students from Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

Scholarships are based on need, regardless of religion, gender, race or ethnic backgrounds. Applicant families must provide proof of income and attend one of the schools within the four counties it serves.

More information about the Fund can be found here.