Willow Grove Park to host 47th Freedom Fund Banquet on October 15

The Willow Grove Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host the 47th annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Sunday, October 15 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at Willow Grove Park’s food court.

The event will include a full buffet with features from Talented Youth Performers like “Showtime at the Apollo” finalist Nathanael Barlow, and inspirational speakers such as Governor Josh Shapiro and Mistress of Ceremonies Keir Bradford-Grey.

The banquet provides scholarships and community service awards for students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, honors, and future goals across schools in Abington, Hatboro/Horsham, Upper Dublin, Upper and Lower Moreland, and Jenkintown. Benefits will award local high school students with $1,000 scholarships.

This year marks the celebratory return for the banquet after being canceled the past two years due to the pandemic, and the first time a major fundraising event will be held at Willow Grove Park.

“We are thrilled to bring back our Freedom Fund Banquet after a two-year hiatus,” said Dr. Jana Mallis, 2nd Vice President and Banquet Chair of the Willow Grove Branch of NAACP. “With almost 300 guests expected to attend, we knew Willow Grove Park would be the perfect venue to host this special celebration. With such strong ties to the community, the mall team understands the importance of bringing everyone together to raise funds for the next generation of leaders.”

Tickets and more information can be found here.

“Willow Grove Park is honored to be chosen to host such an inspiring event,” said Karisa Washam, Marketing Director at Willow Grove Park. “We are committed to supporting the advancement of impactful organizations like the NAACP, and we look forward to celebrating the educational achievements of the community right here at the mall.”

About the Willow Grove Branch of the NAACP:
The mission of the Willow Grove Branch of the National Association of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equity of the rights of all persons and to eliminate hatred. The Willow Grove Branch focuses these efforts locally through scholarships, community service, advocacy and outreach in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

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