(TEANECK, NJ) -- On Friday, November 15, 2024, The Jessie Banks Foundation (JBF) will host its "20th Anniversary Scholarship Awards Gala" at The Glenpointe Marriott (100 Frank W. Burr Boulevard) in Teaneck from 5:45pm to midnight.

The organization will award 16 scholarships to well-deserved students from the tri-state area who are entering their first year of college. Additionally, four prestigious individuals will be honored for their distinguished community and professional service: Roman Oben, Vice President, NFL Football Development, Mike Triplett, Former President, Cigna Healthcare, Tahesha Way, Esq., New Jersey Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State Marina Zazanis, President/CEO, at Kytogenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

This year’s 20th Anniversary Gala Chair is Mary Tate Lee, Cigna Tri-South Business Liaison. Gala Host, Dr. Jeff Gardere, America’s Psychologist.

The Jessie Banks Foundation Inc. (JBF) was founded in 2002 by Dr. Sharon Banks-Williams, President & CEO and daughter of the beloved Jessie Banks. It is a vehicle to perpetuate her memory and service to humankind. The JBF was established as a living tribute to the life of Jessie Banks for the purpose of enhancing the lives of others through empowerment, health awareness, mentoring, counseling and providing tuition assistance to deserving scholars. Jessie Banks was a woman overflowing with human kindness. Her generosity, support and noble spirit touched and enhanced the lives of many. In the New York Tri-State area Jessie Banks was known as another ‘Mother Teresa”. Her encouragement, assistance and support transformed lives. The Jessie Banks Foundation honors her legacy by helping one student at a time through corporate involvement, mentoring, global mission work, partnerships/internships, scholarships & youth development programs.

All are invited to enjoy an evening of elegant dining and dancing. An invited only VIP reception and a General cocktail reception will be held from 5:45pm to 7:45pm, followed by an exquisite three course dinner. The donation to attend this black-tie affair is $275 per person/General Seating and $325 per person/VIP Seating. All seats may be purchased at: www.jessiebanksfoundation.org.

For further information, please contact: The Jessie Banks Foundation at (201) 961-9373 or email: [email protected]

Please make checks payable to: ‘The Jessie Banks Foundation’ and mail to: 650 Palisades Avenue, Suite 2-127, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 07632

The Jessie Banks Foundation Inc. is a public 501(C) 3 non-profit, organization.