Establish the LaG Class of 1989 Scholarship Fund

This class fund is established in loving memory of all of the classmates we've lost:

Robert Demetrius Griffin (Vocal), Howard Tomlinson (Drama), Rahsaan Dabney (Vocal), Nichi Boyer (Art), Nicole Kasbar (Dance), Roberson Coard (Drama), Naima Johnston-Bush (Vocal), Selena Bray Bullock (Vocal), Iris Wong (Vocal), Sean Bohary (Drama), Terence Fernandez (Art).

UPDATE: YOU ARE ALL AMAZING! THANK YOU! WE REACHED THE GOAL and the 10X matching gift came in! Our class fund is established with over $68,000!

Moving forward, any time Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia asks you to donate, you can donate directly to our class fund, forever! When making your gift, please note that your contributions are to be used for the LaGuardia Class of 1989 Fund, either on the check or on the online form (where it says the gift is in "Tribute or Honor of"): https://alumniandfriends.org/give/

------------------------------------------

Original message for the class fund:

The LaGuardia class of 1989 is really special and I think we can all agree that our time at LaGuardia shaped us in immeasurable beautiful ways. Wouldn't it be so meaningful to leave a legacy for future LaGuardia students ("we're gonna live forever, baby remember our name, Fame!")? At our 10 year-reunion in 1999 we talked about how great it would be to give an award every year - "The LaGuardia Class of 1989 Award." Back then we didn't know you needed $15,000 to establish an award fund at LaGuardia. But something incredible has happened! A private donor has offered a TEN TIMES match. By raising the initial $1500 we've reached the goal to start the fund! Let's keep going to try to raise $6000 so the fund can be $60,000! (We also need a few hundred extra for the gofundme service fees.)

Please consider contributing any amount at all! Every $10 will get a $100 match, every $100 will get a $1000 match! The more money we have in the fund, the more that will be given out each year to one or more students, forever!

The gofundme matching campaign will close on Thursday, October 26. The match will come in February or March 2024 and I will keep the class informed throughout the process.

We haven't determined the exact criteria for award/scholarship recipients, but a few of us have talked about it going to a student with financial need, who has worked hard as a student/artist, to help them fulfill their dreams. This is not for the person with the highest GPA, or someone who will be receiving loads of other awards for their artistry. This is for someone who needs it, both financially and emotionally, and for whom it will make a lasting impact, whatever they choose to do in their lifetime.

After working at Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia for 8 years, the non-profit that gives out the awards, I can tell you that this is the most direct and personal way to give a gift to a student(s). Please read more about the awards process here: https://alumniandfriends.org/give/named-funds

Please note that I am no longer working at Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia, but will continue to spearhead reunions and events for our class, with the help of our amazing classmates. Also please note that contributions to gofundme are never tax-deductible, but once the fund is established you may begin giving your contributions directly to The Class of 1989 Fund at Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia and those gifts will be tax-deductible. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about this fundraising campaign or to say hello! Our 35th reunion will be in early June 2024 - stay tuned! Thank you!