Prodigal Foundation, Inc.

How Prodigal Foundation Started

Prodigal Foundation, Inc. has listed as first in its "Mission and Goals Statement" — "to establish scholarships for high school seniors who have had their life adversely affected by cancer." It is with this statement in mind that Prodigal Foundation, Inc. began the "2001 Scholarship Campaign" in January 2001 by writing letters to School Board Superintendents, Hight School Principals, and contacting High School Guidance Counselors in Middlesex County, New Jersey.

An initial letter explaining Prodigal Foundation's goals and scholarship programs was sent, followed by a second letter that included scholarship applications, criteria for the scholarship, and additional information for the applicant. Follow-up calls were then made to each school, followed by additional calls as needed. Many counselors were aware of students who fit the criteria — high school seniors whose lives had been adversely affected by cancer — and actively encouraged students to apply. Other schools listed scholarships being offered in the school's personal computer system or had scholarship information listed in the school newsletter.

All efforts proved to be successful and on June 1, 2001, Prodigal Foundation, Inc. was able to present scholarships to 11 high school seniors whose lives have been adversely affected by cancer. The Scholarship Dinner was held at Colonia Country Club, Colonia, NJ 07067 with approximately 100 people in attendance including all of the scholarship recipients.

Prodigal Foundation, Inc. President, George Yuhasz, included this message in the Scholarship Dinner Program:

I would first of all like to thank all of you for attending tonight's Scholarship Dinner. It marks an occasion of joy and fellowship honoring our Prodigal Foundation, Inc. scholarship recipients.

On a personal note, I would like to thank the entire Board of Directors and Trustees for making this night a reality and success story for each and every scholarship recipient. Your dedicated and devoted effort to our continued cause is really appreciated by everyone attending this affair and by those you have inspired throughout the months to make this dinner a reality.

To the scholarship recipients I say "congratulations." Your efforts are extremely noteworthy and I hope that you remember this evening in future years and keep it within your heart forever.

As the President of Prodigal Foundation, I cannot express my gratitude enough for the scholarship sponsors. This being our first year in establishing this event would have been possible without your gracious efforts both financially and emotionally. Your act of kindness is greatly appreciated.

To the sponsors who are listed and found throughout this text, I say thank you. Your contribution has allowed us to provide the framework from which we will build upon. I urge all individuals to please make very effort to support the business and individuals that have donated to us and are listed in this program.

Finally, I want to say that Prodigal Foundation, Inc. will continue to strive and reach out to enhance the quality of life to those children affected by cancer. Our mission and goals that are incorporated into this text will continue to be a catalyst for those involved in the foundation.

The new school year is here and Prodigal Foundation, Inc. will be contacting all high schools in Middlesex County in an effort to reach out to those high school seniors whose lives have been adversely affected by cancer. These students already have an education on the realities of life — Prodigal Foundation wants to help educate them in the possibilities of life.