Foundation Awards $53,000+ In Scholarships

The Chamber Foundation, Inc., the non-profit educational organization of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, proudly presented 32 local students with scholarships totaling over $53,000 at the Chamber’s May Contact Breakfast on Wednesday, May 15.  The amount of money awarded represents an all-time high for The Chamber Foundation.

"It's a testament to the Chamber Foundation, its supporters and the business community in the Hudson Valley that we are able to provide this level of help to students and their parents towards the pursuit of higher education,” said Bill Francis, chair of The Chamber Foundation’s Board of Directors.  “I only hope that we can continue to grow this support in future years."

The 12 scholarships awarded at the breakfast include: the ATHENA Scholarship, Cosimo DiBrizzi Memorial Scholarship, James T. Hammond Athletic Leadership Scholarship, Eileen Hickey Nursing Scholarship, Hudson Valley Young Professionals Scholarship, Juan LaFuente Memorial Scholarship, Manufacturing and Trade Scholarship, Mary Abdoo Fashion Memorial Scholarship, Richard W. Mitchell Memorial Scholarship, Audrey Morgenstern Memorial Scholarship, Charles S. North Scholarship for Music, and the Norman and Rita Nussbickel Memorial Scholarship.  All awards except the Abdoo Scholarship are funded by the generosity of the local business community through their attendance at events including the ATHENA Awards Brunch, Golf-A-Thon, Bowling Tournament and more.  The Abdoo Scholarship, though presented by The Chamber Foundation, is completely financed and controlled by the Abdoo family.

“Each year, one of my favorite days is the morning where we present the scholarships,” said Charles S. North, President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber Foundation.  “Making access to quality education easier and more affordable is one of the things The Chamber Foundation does best. It’s an important part of our mission, and it’s wonderful to watch it be carried it out for the benefit of a lot of really great students.”

In addition to presenting scholarships, The Chamber Foundation honored Nevill Smythe, Tina Ludwig of Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union and Tom Weddell of Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell LLP - three outgoing board members.  Amy Dittmar of Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp., Maureen Kangas of the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and Conference Center,  John Mack of Health Quest, and Aleta Symon of Vanacore DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell LLP have joined the all-volunteer Board of Directors for 2013-14.