Linda Scarpa

In the fall of 2003, my eldest son, Kevin was starting to look at colleges. As a single mother, with two other younger sons, I was concerned how on earth I was going to be able to help my oldest son with college expenses. I was working full time and caring for three sons. I never had time to meet many people in the Village.

I decided to go the Ridgewood High School Guidance office and make an appointment with Kevin's guidance counselor. I was requesting information on any scholarships the High School, and the Village offered.  The guidance counselor said " You should look up Ridgewood Jamboree"....  I said, "What is that?" She said this organization raises a considerable amount of money for RHS students who need financial help in sending their children to college.  I said how do I reach this organization, and she handed me a flyer which stated with a fund raiser for Jamboree, was being held at the HoHoKus Inn. I decided to attend this function. As I walked into the entrance of the restaurant, there were 3 people behind a table with a Jamboree Banner. I said, is this Jamboree? They enthusiastically YES and Welcome! That was the start of my first year in Jamboree, and now 23 years, I am still involved in Jamboree and counting. 

Many people have asked, why I always help Jamboree, year after year. The answer is simple.  First the look on my eldest son's face when he opened the award Jamboree gave him, was priceless. All of my boys were given the Jamboree scholarship. They are extremely grateful how the scholarship helped them to achieve their dream. Second, my sons learned how important it is to help your community and give back to the community. As a result, all of my sons are now in service professions. Third, and most importantly, I was able to make friends, great friends for life.  I felt like I was part of a community, and a family which is there for you. 

God gave me a gift.  The blessing of Jamboree.