Newly installed SEEDS president Ronni Denes made her first formal address during the annual SEEDS Parents Recognition Lunch held March 12. The event included a performance by area recording artist Nilyne Fields and raised nearly $3,000 in contributions from generous parents and guests. 

More than 200 parents listened as Ms. Denes spoke - applauding their efforts, recognizing their sacrifices and encouraging them to continue their support of NJ SEEDS. "You -- the parents -- are where it all starts," she said. "You are the parents who wanted so much more for your children than they would have had without your intervention. You are the parents who insisted that no matter what circumstances your children faced, they work hard to achieve their dreams -- and yours. You are the parents who believed so strongly in your children's abilities that you were willing to take an enormous risk and trust their future education to New Jersey SEEDS."

 

She discussed the passion that drew her to SEEDS. "This is an organization that partners with families to provide a life changing opportunity for children. It starts with the expectation that they will do well -- your expectation and ours. But it also starts by asking children to demonstrate their willingness to work hard, and to demonstrate the knowledge and achievement that come from that. And then we -- and I'm proud to say that we means SEEDS -- we equip them with the tools for success: the education, the life skills, the cultural experiences, the school environment and the financial aid that together offer children a chance to identify their dreams -- educational, professional and personal -- and to realize them."

   

Attendees had the opportunity to celebrate the results of SEEDS as YSP alumnus Wade Morgan (Young Scholars Program '05, Delbarton School '11) shared his story. "At its core, SEEDS gave me options," he said. "It allowed me to truly lead the life of my choice. SEEDS pushed me to succeed in middle school and high school, and gave me the tools necessary for that success.... It has given me the future that my parents wanted for me, the future that my teachers envisioned me with, and the future that every child deserves."

SEEDS Director of Development LeRoy General closed the afternoon with a rousing call to action, asking parents to help him connect the program to any Charitable Giving Offices at their places of employment. Specifically, he asked them to contact Jamie McClintock or the SEEDS development office if they can arrange a meeting or telephone call with the person at their business who is responsible for Charitable Gifts.

 

Please click here to view photos of this year's event.