Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement in Florida Inc. (CAFCI) is proud to announce that the Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation is investing $5,000 with CAFCI to help enhance, maintain and sustain the community’s quality of life, consistent with the culture and traditions of its diverse heritage.
The money provided by the Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation will provide initial financial assistance through CAFCI’s Student Assistance Program to at least five high school graduating seniors who will begin further studies at an accredited institution of higher learning.
Established in 1943, the Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the communities it serves a better place to live. The Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation awards grants to organizations that support programs and initiatives helping to foster healthy and thriving communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
“Making personal connections with local organizations and giving back to those in need in our communities is the motivating force behind who we are as a company,” said Mary Kellmanson, Bi-Lo Holdings’ senior vice president of marketing, and president of the Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation. “Bi-Lo Holdings is honored to dedicate time, resources and funds to benefit our customers, neighbors, friends and family. We are thankful that we are able to develop and grow partnerships with these organizations and help them improve the lives of our neighbors.”
The grant is important to CAFCI and its efforts to continue to serve and help the social, educational and health needs in the community.
“CAFCI has been a strong partner in the western communities’ growth and development for more than 20 years,” CAFCI President Dennis Wright said. “Among the many contributions made by CAFCI, none has made the organization more proud than the contributions it has made to the youth in our community. CAFCI has consistently provided annual scholarships to many local high school students through the CAFCI Student Assistance Program.”
Student Assistance Committee Chair Dr. Elaine Ealy agreed.
“Many of our youth who face financial obstacles have ambitious goals and who could possibly have a solution to a social problem. They will benefit from the generosity of donors like the Bi-Lo Foundation,” Ealy said.
This year’s graduating seniors who wish to apply for financial assistance must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and must complete an application. Proof of acceptance from the prospective institution of higher learning must accompany the application.
Applications are available on the CAFCI web site at www.cafcipbc.org, the CAFCI office and from all high school guidance counselors.
Eligibility requirements include: be a resident of Palm Beach County; currently attend high school in Palm Beach County expected to graduate within one year; demonstrate an interest in Caribbean-American affairs; provide a completed application postmarked no later than March 15; provide an acceptance letter from a college/university; be available for an interview on April 5; and be able to attend a presentation ceremony, if selected, on May 3 at 7 p.m.
Applications and accompanying documents must be sent to 1030 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Box 11, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 and must be postmarked no later than March 15. For more information, contact Dr. Ealy at (561) 351-0068 or e-mail cafci@bellsouth.net.
