Essex Fells resident Mike Goldman of NFP honored

Mendham, NJ — November 2025 — Tri-County Scholarship Fund (TCSF) proudly announces that its 44th Annual Awards Dinner raised an extraordinary $2 million to help provide 970 K–12 scholarships for financially disadvantaged children in northern New Jersey. More than 700 supporters, corporate partners, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the organization’s mission of opening doors to quality, values-based education for children whose hard-working families seek a better, safer school option.

Past Awards Dinner honoree, Eric Andersen of Aon, introduced Mike Goldman, President and Chief Operating Officer for NFP—this year’s Hall of Fame honoree and an advocate for educational access. Andersen praised Goldman’s professional leadership and his deep personal commitment to expanding opportunity for children across the region.

In his remarks to the audience of over 700 guests, many from the insurance industry, Goldman spoke of his connection to Tri-County’s mission, reflecting on his upbringing as the child of two educators who instilled in him a belief in the transformative power of education. Said Goldman, “Tri-County gives children who need an opportunity the chance to access schools and environments where they are truly supported and where the expectations are created that their future and destiny are achievable.”

The evening featured exceptional student talent and testimony. Cecily, a freshman at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, received a standing ovation for her a cappella performance of the Star-Spangled Banner, offered in recognition of election night and in honor of our country.

Tri-County Scholarship recipient, Bella, a senior at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, delivered the featured student address, sharing her family’s story, the challenges they have faced, and the doors that Tri-County scholarships have opened for her future. Her heartfelt message brought the room to silence—and then to its feet.

The Awards Dinner also recognized Leadership Award honoree Jocelyn Grahame, Managing Partner for McKinsey & Company’s New Jersey office and John and Joanne Harrington of Harrington & Sons Construction presented with the Making A Difference Award.

“We are profoundly grateful for the generosity in honor of this year’s award honorees, and in support of our students,” said Tri-County president, Prudence Pigott. “Every dollar raised directly changes the trajectory of a child’s life. These scholarships provide access, stability, and hope—and our students repay that investment with hard work and tremendous promise.”

Those who were unable to attend the November 3 Awards Dinner—or who wish to experience its highlights again—can watch full replays of the honoree speeches and featured students. www.tcsfund.org/2025gala

About Tri-County Scholarship Fund

Founded in 1981, Tri-County Scholarship Fund addresses educational inequities by providing partial scholarships to financially disadvantaged Kindergarten – 12th grade New Jersey students. The organization partners with accredited, independent elementary and secondary schools to offer students safe, values-based educational opportunities that foster academic and personal growth. Tri-County's scholarships ensure that deserving students can achieve their full potential. In the past 44 years TCSF has awarded over 39,000 scholarships, totaling more than $41 million, enabling students to attend safe, quality, values-based K-12th grade schools that allow students to achieve a 100% high school graduation rate and go on to college and productive careers.