Dancing to raise scholarship funds
A night of dining, dancing and entertainment will help fund college educations.
Being happy with his life now and looking back on experiences that made him a better person made Norris K. Allen Sr. want to give back to young people.
“I think about my early days and while I had a good time and did many things, I know I could have used some help back when I came out of high school,” Allen said.
This is why Allen started the Student of Excellence Scholarship in 2013. He has been raising funds steadily, with 16 children — ranging in ages from 6 to 12 — currently planning to receive money to help with their college costs when they graduate. Many are local, but Allen said he has several from Alabama, one in Ohio and one in Ethiopia.
“I ask that they maintain at least a C-plus average and work hard,” he said. “Their parents keep me updated,” said Allen. “All of them are honor students now, so I’m really proud of them.”
To help raise funds for the scholarships, Allen and his scholarship foundation is hosting A Promise to Keep Extravaganza on Feb. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ford Dining Hall at Berry College.
The event will be formal/semiformal, with dinner, dancing and entertainment. Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Major Samuel Mosteller, president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Chapter for Georgia.
Tickets are $ 35 and must be bought in advance. A table for eight may be reserved for $240. Tickets are available at Kroger on Turner McCall Boulevard or Allglad Income Tax, 1994 Kingston Highway. Allen added that if anyone needs to, they can call him and he will deliver as long as someone is buying at least two tickets. He may be contacted at 770-547-8369. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Feb. 22.
All proceeds go to the scholarship fund, Allen said.
In addition to the dancing and dining, a display featuring some of the mementos from Allen’s life will be on display, including his book, programs from the presidential inaugurations he attended and flyers from civil rights era marches in which he participated.
“I never threw anything away,” he laughed. “When you are able to see history unfold, you need to keep things to remind you. I’ve been blessed to be able to do these things.”
Allen said the event is open to anyone and ticket prices are tax-deductible.
“I am hoping many people from diverse backgrounds can come,” he said. “I invited everyone from the city and county schools, the local governments, anyone who wants to come is welcome. It’s for a good cause and it will be a wonderful evening.”
Allen said he expects to enjoy himself, but maybe not dance.
“I am not a dancer really,” he laughed. “But I look forward to meeting people.”
For more information about the scholarships, Allen may be called or emailed at gladysallen@ att.net.