ALEXANDRIA, VA-The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Gala is the bigges black-tie event of the year. Dubbed Alexandria’s adult prom, it took place on Saturday, April 26 at Hilton Mark Center.
A sold-out crowd of 450 attendees, clad in black tie and formal gowns, turned out for the lavish party. The elegant bash featured a two-hour cocktail bar, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, a sit-down dinner, and dancing..
Since spring is here, the evening’s theme was evening was BLOOM. Many women showed up in long floral-patterned sequined glittery attire, Men stuck flowers in their lapels.
The SFA was established in 1986 to help Alexandria’s high school students afford post-secondary education.
“The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Gala and Auction is our biggest fundraiser and largest event of the year,” SFA Executive Director Jasmine Milone told Zebra following the event. “It is always fantastic to get together with so many supportive Alexandrians who care about our students at ACPS and believe in the college access and scholarships.”
She shared that the highlight for the crowd was hearing from speakers who had their lives changed because of the SFA. “The standing ovation after their remarks was overwhelming,” Milone said, “and it is obvious how inspired everyone was. We hope that for those who were attending their first SFA Gala or are new to the SFA, that they were able to experience the “why” first hand.”
Nahomi D. was born in Ethiopia and is the first person in her family to pursue higher education. She is one of the award recipients. “It’s such a big, heavy weight [to think about affording college], but it’s been such a blessing to be attending Adelphi University and to be especially accepted to have this scholarship in hand, which is really good for financial aid,” Nahomi said “And I’ve always been financially in need, just getting the scholarship is such a blessing.” She has her eye on law school.
Standing next her, her friend Hana L. nodded in agreement. The 17-year old ACHS senior was ecstatic when she won a scholarship. She will attend Duke University in the fall and dreams of becoming a doctor.
Hana’s parents are immigrants from Ethiopia. “Since I’m low income, my family wouldn’t be able to afford sending me off to college. But because of the scholarship, it’s helping to pay for my education,” she told The Zebra.
Mayor Gaskins spoke with this reporter about the effect of SFA.
“The impact of this scholarship fund of Alexandria is truly remarkable,” she said. “It’s hard to put into words the way that they have been able to provide not only the financial resources, but the wrap around services and the technical assistance and support that our young people need not just to get into college, but to stay in college and to thrive and pursue the career that they are most excited about.”
Gaskins added that she hopes these students return to the city, bringing their ideas and talents back home.
It is too soon to know how much the event raised.
“ I can say that even in uncertain financial times, it’s amazing to see the continued generosity of the Alexandria community,” Milone shared
The awards ceremony will be held next month. Almost $700,000 in scholarships will be given to 215 Titans of the class of 2025.
SEE ALSO: Alexandria’s Susanna Sullivan Is the Top American Runner in the London Marathon
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