PBA ‘80s-Themed Scholarship Event Takes Fun To The Max To Benefit College-Bound Seniors

By Judy Tacyn

Pull your Trapper Keeper from your locker and mark down March 2 so you can attend the ‘80s-themed party of the year – the Pasadena Business Association’s annual fundraiser dinner at Kurtz’s Beach from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. The crowd-pleasing Guys in Thin Ties band will rock the house with ‘80s music, so grab your turtleneck, puffer jacket or jelly shoes and plan to moonwalk the night away.

Dine on delicious cuisine - like pit beef and raw oysters - and decadent desserts from a menu only the chefs at Kurtz’s can offer. There will be dozens of baskets, donated by local businesses, in a silent auction that will surely have something for everyone. And, no ‘80s party would be complete without some metallic lycra, so dig deep in the back of your closet to find your long-forgotten ‘80s treasures - neon legwarmers, perhaps - and compete in the Best Costume contest.

Since its inception, the event has allowed the PBA to award more than $200,000 to Northeast and Chesapeake high school students heading for college. Event coordinator Jerry Nicklow said he and his team of volunteers hope to raise more than last year’s event, which pulled in more than $15,000.

“When I was younger, I needed assistance to follow my dreams,” said Nicklow, who has coordinated the annual dinner for seven years. “Now I am in a position to help deserving young people achieve their dreams, too.”

One of last year’s scholarships helped Northeast High School graduate Nichole Fish attend her dream school, High Point University in North Carolina.

“This university has endless resources and connections, and provides students with an extraordinary education while teaching them premier life skills,” Fish said. “This is why I knew it was the perfect place for me. However, tuition was far out of range, and without the very generous scholarship from the Pasadena Business Association, I very well may have had to choose a different school.

“I worked so hard during high school to achieve the highest grades, get involved with many clubs and organizations, and participate in several sports,” Fish continued. “The recognition from Pasadena Business Association’s scholarship truly validated why I worked so hard throughout high school. It felt great to be recognized and only inspired me to work even harder in college. Hard work does pay off and the scholarship I received helped to allow me to attend a truly one-of-a-kind university where I could continue to strive.”

To learn more about the event, make a donation, or get involved as a volunteer, visit www.pasadenabusinessassociation.com/scholarship-fundraiser or contact Jerry Nicklow at jerry@huffinsurance.com or 410-647-1111. Many sponsorship levels and donation options are available for businesses.