FLOW Follies Shifting to Financial Need Focus

FLOW Follies has been providing scholarships for Ramapo and Indian Hills High School students for 25 years. Now, going into its 26th season, the fundraising group says it is working on a shift in its approach.

“We are moving toward being a more need-based organization,” Executive Director Carla Pappalardo told Patch Monday. “For the first time this year, 10 of the scholarships we give out at each high school will go to students who demonstrate financial need.”

Previously the group, which raises money through community theater performances, did not consider financial need when giving out scholarships.

“Every year, it’s our goal to raise $50,000,” Pappalardo said.

“We don’t usually get there, but it’s always our goal. And, in past years we’ve come close. We want to make sure that people and businesses that donate to FLOW Follies know their money is going to help a student that needs it.”

The volunteer organization is planning two big events this year to help it raise money for local student scholarships – a performance of ‘On the Road with FLOW’ in March, and a new event, the Winter Wonderland kickoff event next week.

This year’s show is an original stage show that will incorporate travel storylines from classic TV shows.

Next week, the Winter Wonderland is happening at the Elks Club in Oakland. For a $50 ticket, attendees can expect to see dinner and drinks, music, dancing, raffles, and more at the event. The kickoff party, happening at 7 p.m. next Saturday, Jan. 25, will also honor FLOW Follies alumni.

(Find out more about tickets here).

“Really, we have always been an organization that is about bringing together the community and the schools,” Pappalardo said.

“We have had so many great community members in our shows, and none of that is going to change.”