To whom much is given, much is required. — James Baldwin

giving and receiving

Our Operational Fund

The mission of the operational fund is to support CHAACA initiatives, foster meaningful partnerships, and collaborate with local nonprofits to serve youth and families.

Donate to our initiatives:

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Membership Options
Our Key Initiatives

Your Donations at Work

Juneteenth – Your generous donations will pay for the stage performers, children’s activities, such as Petting Zoo, face painters, storytellers; volunteers gifts, and the central stage attraction.

The Reverend Ivan George Essay Poster Video Contest – Your generous donations will pay for the gift cards awarded to our winners.

The Black History Program – Your generous donations will pay for the director/producer fees for the program [rehearsals and performances], teacher stipends for rehearsals and performances, and student participant refreshments for rehearsals and performances.

Outreach efforts – Your generous donations make it possible for us to host Difficult Conversations Panel Discussions that require an honorarium for the keynote speaker, to host seminars and webinars for current topics of interest, to provide health fairs and voter registration drives, and to support local charitable organizations.

General Initiatives and Administrative Cost – Your generous donations support initiatives that we are asked to support that align with our mission and, additionally, administrative costs that every organization has – website maintenance, clerical supplies, printing co

chaaca scholarships

Empowering Future Leaders

Early on, CHAACA’s organizers realized the urgent need to support the needs of those who would one day take our place in the community of Cherry Hill and beyond. Accordingly, as our Bylaws reflect, we are dedicated to the welfare of our young people in our homes, schools, and community.  

In 1982, the first five (5) scholarships were awarded to deserving students. Since that time, CHAACA has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships. It should be noted that we could not have reached so many students had we not been afforded contributions from generous members and donations from members of our community.

Over the years we have been able to count on numerous CHAACA members (who are too numerous to name them all) who contributed and supported the scholarships awarded under our name. Reoccurring member scholarships that were awarded include the Yolanda Jones Mapp scholarship, given to individuals seeking degrees in the medical field; the Chanette Orange Memorial scholarship, given to provide the recipient with a “jump start” after entering college; the Arthur Lewis “Trailblazer” scholarship, given to students who have shown strong academic and leadership qualities; the Lawyer Chapman scholarship, awarded to students seeking to enter the teaching profession; and the Robin Miller scholarship, awarded to students seeking to enter the medical profession. Other member scholarships include those awarded on behalf of Neville Holder, Evelyn Lewis, Joyce Walker, Renee Carter, Mayor David Fleisher, Annie Elmore, Ineda Green, Nia Stratton, Deborah Bowles, Dr James Aikins, Valerie Wallace, and Noreye Habobo.

Additionally, many scholarships have been awarded by members of the greater Cherry Hill community, including the Ravitz Family scholarship, which has been provided since 1982 on behalf of Stanley and Doris Ravitz. The Ravitz scholarship is awarded to students who have proven to be high-academic, hardworking students. Also, the South Jersey Medical Society, Inc. has provided scholarships to students of high academic achievement.

In addition to funds given for individual scholarships, CHAACA members and members of the community have faithfully provided generous gifts by way of Ads in our Programs or Patron Ads for our” Cherry Blossom Balls” and/or “Cherry Blossom Jazz Luncheons”.

2025

Scholarship Forms

Applicants must be African American high school seniors with a financial need who reside in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Applicant must plan to attend an accredited two-year college, a two-year technical school, or a four-year college/university for the years 2025-2026. Awards are granted based on academic excellence, participation in school events, leadership qualities, community service and volunteer work, and career aspirations.

Donate to our initiatives:

bill-mccargo-Obama-campaign

Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, the CHAACA scholarship will be awarded in memory of William “Bill” McCargo, who passed away on August 10, 2023. A dedicated and longstanding member of CHAACA, Bill held various leadership roles, including President. For many years, he and his wife, Pat, worked tirelessly to secure significant scholarship donations from corporations, major donors, and the Cherry Hill community. Bill’s contributions extended beyond CHAACA; he served in the U.S. Air Force, was a Cherry Hill Police Officer from 1969 until his retirement in 1994, and was appointed to the New Jersey State Parole Board. Additionally, Bill served as a Commissioner of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to public service and his community.

Through the Generosity of Our Donors

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

Eveline Gordon Scholarship Fund

The Eveline Gordon Scholarship Fund is a living trust established by Eveline C. Gordon to provide academic scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students pursuing a career in teaching. Eveline Gordon was born in Harlem, New York City, in 1920. She attended public schools in Harlem and the West Indies. After graduation, she enrolled in the School of Nursing at Harlem Hospital and worked as a registered nurse for several years. Ms. Gordon was inspired to pursue a career in teaching after being told she had a gift for teaching. She graduated from Hunter College for Teachers at Columbia University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in educational psychology from New York University. Ms. Gordon taught in the New York City public schools for many years and later served as assistant principal at an area school. Education became a fulfilling passion in her life.

Chanette Kelly-Orange Educational Scholarship

**Chanette Kelly-Orange Memorial Scholarship** Chanette Kelly-Orange was a dedicated CHAACA member, serving on the Scholarship, Education, and Fundraising Committees, and as our Recording Secretary. Known for her generosity and passion for helping others, Chanette poured her heart into everything she did. As an employee of the Cherry Hill Board of Education for over 21 years, she made a lasting impact, remembering students' names, supporting teachers, and always lending a hand.Until her passing in 2019, Chanette tirelessly advocated for the African American community in Cherry Hill, contributing to events like Jazz Luncheons, Black History Month plays, and the scholarship program. In her honor, this scholarship was established to support students in their educational journeys, just as she encouraged her own daughters—Syde, Synise, and Synique—to pursue higher education.This scholarship keeps Chanette’s legacy alive, helping students achieve their dreams with the same encouragement and dedication she brought to her community.

Yolanda Jones Mapp, M. D. Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Yolanda Jones Mapp, raised in Red Bank, NJ, began her education at Monmouth Junior College before transferring to Douglass College, Rutgers University, where she earned a B.S. in Chemistry and Bacteriology. She went on to graduate from Howard University College of Medicine in 1957. Dr. Mapp was a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Temple University.A Cherry Hill resident for over 30 years, Dr. Mapp was the mother of six and had a lifelong passion for supporting future medical professionals. In 2006, she began awarding scholarships to students pursuing medical degrees. Today, her son, Attorney David Mapp, honors her legacy through the Yolanda Jones Mapp, M.D. Memorial Scholarship.

Olivia Wilmont Healthcare Scholarship

Born and raised in Ghana, Olivia Wilmot was inspired by her parents, both educators, to value the power of education. At 18, she received an international scholarship to St. Augustine University, later transferring to Howard University on a nursing scholarship. After earning a Bachelor’s in Nursing Science, she moved to Philadelphia, where she has worked for 35 years as a registered nurse in the neuroscience unit at Temple University Hospital.Olivia has been known for her selflessness, empathy, and dedication as a mentor to new nursing students and staff. A proud mother of two, her son Kobina followed her into healthcare and became a cardiologist. A 2002 recipient of the Dr. Yolanda Mapp Scholarship, Dr. Wilmot now carries on his mother's legacy by paying it forward. Olivia was also part of the care team for Dr. Mapp in her final days. The Olivia Wilmot Healthcare Scholarship honors students who embody the resilience and dedication she has shown throughout her career.

The Ravitz Foundation Scholarship

Years ago, Stanley Ravitz and his wife, Doris, recognized our mission to support minority students and strengthen Cherry Hill’s community. Stanley, an honorary member of our association, made a lasting impact through the Ravitz Scholarship series, a tradition continued by his sons, Steve and Ron, who took over the family’s ShopRite stores and expanded their charitable work.Under former president Steve Ravitz, the Ravitz Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3), extended its reach, supporting numerous causes in South Jersey. Today, Brett Ravitz leads the foundation, honoring the legacy of his father, grandfather, and grandmother. Although Steve passed away from COVID-19 in 2020, his sons Jason, Shawn, and Brett continue the Ravitz family’s commitment to community service, ensuring that their vision endures for generations to come.

Karr Barth Associates/Equitable Scholarship

Karr Barth and Equitable Advisors draws talented employees and financial professionals to meet the current and evolving needs of their clients. Their mission is to help their clients secure financial well-being in order to pursue long and fulfilling lives.These scholarships were made possible by long time residents of Cherry Hill: Dave and Jen Fleisher. Dave is the Cherry Hill Council president and Jen is a member of the Cherry Hill School.

Additional Scholarship Contributors

LEWIS TRAILBLAZER SCHOLARSHIP - Arthur Lewis was employed by the Federal Government as Acting Deputy Director of the DEA in Washington, D.C., in 1978. He was the first African American to be second in command of the DEA. Arthur was also actively engaged in his community in Cherry Hill. He was the first African American elected to the school board in Cherry Hill and one of the founding members of C.H.A.A.C.A.

HOLDER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP is donated by Dr. Neville Lewis Holder, a retired research pharmaceutical chemist, and Hyacinth Swaby-Holder, a pharmacist. Longtime Cherry Hill residents, they have established a legacy of valuing education shared by their three children and five grandchildren.

...along with numerous other generous scholarship donors who have contributed to or cause.

Reflections from Past Scholars

Empowered by Opportunity

Dr. Hamisi K. Tattant

Hamisi K. Tarrant

I am deeply honored to have been a 2000 recipient of the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association (CHAACA) scholarship and to now join its distinguished membership. For 43 years, CHAACA has been a cornerstone of our community, supporting educational pursuits of African American seniors committed to academics, leadership, and community service. As a parent of a senior at Cherry Hill West, I look forward to my son applying for the 2004 CHAACA Scholarship Program, continuing the legacy of empowering future leaders for higher education. ~Cherry Hill West Class of 2000

CHBOE Member 2019 to 2023

Corriene Elmore Straton

Receiving a scholarship from the Civic Association was a like a huge confirmation of not only a job well done, but also of the support and love I had from my Cherry Hill African American village. Not only was I able to purchase books and ease some burden from my parents, but I was also able to use the money to support me for some of the little things that I didn't prepare for as I moved on campus. ~ Cherry Hill West Class of 1997

Student, St. Joseph's University

Reese Green

Being a scholarship student for CHAACA really has made a difference in my life. Firstly the scholarship had me dream of pursuing university and higher education. The scholarship made me feel proud to be a future college grad and to continue with schooling which is a huge accomplishment as a Black man in America. Another amazing aspect was being part of a long legacy lineage of scholarship winners. To see my mother and my uncle win the awards, I made it my mission to also be a winner as well. All through high school I achieved in every way possible and my merits showed for it as I was able to win the scholarship award. Also it felt great to be honored during Juneteenth festival and having my student colleagues cheer me on. It was an amazing experience and something I’m forever grateful for. I forever will be thankful for CHAACA choosing me as one of their recipients and in college I am now a man of kappa alpha psi fraternity incorporated and a deans list student still achieving and making everyone proud.~Cherry Hill East Class of 2021

Student, The Citadel Military College

Noah Casa

I'm incredibly grateful to the CHAACA scholarship program for helping me buy the computer I use every day. It has become an essential part of my studies and goals, and I couldn't have done it without their support. Thank you for making a difference in my journey. ~ Cherry Hill West Class of 2024

Testimonials

From the Students