Foundation’s future rests in funding education

Though Philadelphia has some of the finest academic opportunities in the nation it also has pockets of less prosperity where taxes are often stretched to the limit and private schools are most likely out of the question. However the Children’s Scholarship Foundation of Philadelphia (CSFP) has been making important differences in those areas by helping to fill in some of those financial gaps that spur on better educations.

To that end, CSFP recently held its 15th annual Crystal Ball at the Urban Outfitters compound in the Naval Ship Yards. More than 400 supporters of the academic initiative strolled into the bare-bones hanger that had been adorned with cozy alcoves, living room styled furniture and enough food and drink to satisfy all appetites.

Philadelphia and the surrounding areas have no shortage of educational opportunities that set one up for success in the workplace. The problem has been that many matriculates couldn’t afford access to them. It’s what perpetuated the arrival of the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Philadelphia, a nationwide non-profit founded some 20 years ago. Its presence “evened” the academic playing field for those fortunate enough to win one of the 1,200 “desks” that were allotted to kids living in this area. But the success of the program, for K8th graders, was so well received that CSFP decided to became its own entity here in the City of Brotherly Love.

Though the organization has also gotten nods of approval and recognition for its outreach from Charity Navigator and other nonprofit affiliates there’s still more to be done. CSFP has a goal of seeing that quality academics become available to the thousands of applicants who do want to learn.

Be part of the solutions for education opportunities by contacting the organization at www.csfphiladelphia.org.

West Grove residents Steve and Meghan Janoson arrive at the event with Joel Schwarz of Berwyn, his wife, Pamela, and Havertown denizens Phyllis Silverstein and Bryan Long.

Malvern residents Roger and Helena Carolin are greeted by CSF board member Charles Freyer of Jenkintown.

Kate and Joel Lawson of Berwyn are among the attendees at the 15th Annual Crystal Ball.

Malvern denizens Bob Geiger and Robin Sprague find a place where they can eat, drink and survey the crowd.

Dan Pickens of Wyndmoor enjoys the company of the Hamilton Foundation’s executive director Nancy Wingo.

State Senator Anthony Williams talks education and environment issues with noted newsman, writer and columnist Michael Smerconish.

Zina Hardy arrives at the scholastic fundraiser with her husband, David, the former founder and CEO at Boys’ Latin Philadelphia.

Phillip Pracchia of Paoli and Gina Rosanio of Broomall find a cozy corner from which to survey the crowd.

Haverford resident Tom Caramanico is accompanied to the gala by Mary Beth Driscoll of Jenkintown.