Written by Nicole Barylski nbarylski@hamptons.com published in Hamptons.com
on January 29, 2019.
The AJJ Scholarship Fund will host its 4th Annual AJJ Scholarship Fund Cocktail Party on Saturday, February 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. atEdgewater Restaurantin Hampton Bays.
The Fund was established in 2002 to remember the legacy of Hampton Bays High School graduate Art Jones who lost his life in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
"Art was first and foremost a family man. He took great pride in being the best husband and father he could be, but was also a devoted son, brother, in-law, uncle, and friend. Art had a charm and magnetism that attracted people of all ages and could light up a room with his ever present smile and twinkling, mischievous eyes," The AJJ Scholarship Fund's website notes. "He had an effortless way of making people happy and making friends wherever he went, and his friendships meant the world to him. Many of his friends from high school, college, and work became connected, and new friends were always joining this ever-expanding circle."
Jones' friends and family created the Fund to "empower young men and women leading their lives in his likeness."
"The Cocktail Party has become another means in which to help further all the great work that the AJJ Fund is doing," Carol Francolini, Board of Directors member, explained. "Since 2002, the Fund has awarded over $210,000 to deserving students and community initiatives."
Each year The AJJ Scholarship Fund bestows at least one $10,000 award to a Hampton Bays High School senior as they commence their college journey.
"The AJJ Fund is the single largest benefactor at Hampton Bays High School and last year alone, $25,000 was presented to three outstanding seniors," Francolini shared.
And, the non-profit's reach doesn't end there. "The Fund has also supported the Lions Club, the Special Olympics held in Hampton Bays in 2018, an alumni facing a long term rehabilitation after a serious injury, and the installation of several 'Buddy Benches' which help to foster friendships and combat bullying at theelementaryschool level," Francolini relayed.
In addition to the Cocktail Party, The AJJ Scholarship Fund holds an annual Golf Out, which will take place on Friday, June 21 at Rock Hill Golf & Country Club in Manorville.
"The fact that 18 years later, over 100 friends and family continue to gather twice a year and contribute at our fundraising events, is an amazing testament to the kind of man that Art was and emphasizes how loved and respected he was by so many," Francolini noted.
Admission to The AJJ Scholarship Fund Cocktail Party is $75.
"The Fund's ultimate goal is to continue to grow and endure by creating an endowment so that his legacy will live on for years to come," Francolini ad