In 1995, a small group of Scholarship Foundation of East Providence volunteers and local high school students initiated a new project to raise funds for scholarships. Gathering at a local business, EFD, over the course of three nights they made calls to East Providence residents and raised just over $13,000. Twenty-nine years later, the amount raised in this year’s annual phone-a-thon was more than $128,000. What is even more impressive is that this year’s results push the total amount raised for scholarships for East Providence students through the phone-a-thon to more than $2.5 million.

“We thank all who helped us achieve this remarkable milestone,” stated Scholarship Foundation of East Providence president Joseph Durand. “Phone-a-thon contributions have enabled thousands of local students to continue their education beyond high school.” He added.

Students from East Providence High School, as well as college students who were past scholarship recipients and their families participated in the fundraising event. Representatives of community groups, East Providence High School reunion committees and board members of Scholarship Foundation of East Providence joined in contacting thousands of East Providence residents.

A number of new scholarships were established through the phone-a-thon this year, including the Jacob Merola Memorial, Path to Knowledge Family, and Frank and Emily Squittiere Memorial Scholarship. New book awards included: Ed and Philomena Moniz, Pickering Family and Rogers Family Book Awards.

Phone-a-thon Chair Louise Paiva recognized the Carter Fund at The Rhode Island Foundation which has supported the phone-a-thon since its inception. This year, they matched the first $45,000 in contributions received. 

East Providence schools participated in Dress Down Days and made their contributions during the phone-a-thon. Added to additional contributions from school parent teacher groups, more than $8,700 was raised by faculty, staff and parents at East Providence schools through the phone-a-thon this year.

 Eleven past classes of East Providence High School contributed to increase the amount they award. Alumni from East Providence High School Classes of 1949, 1950, 1955, 1962, 1964, 1965,  1973, 1974, 1976, 1985 and 2009 collectively raised nearly $14,000 in scholarships. 

The Scholarship Foundation acknowledged the continuing support of Nordson EFD. The company provided postage and mailing services for this year’s phone-a-thon.