MANASQUAN — The Norah Elizabeth Bruther Memorial Scholarship Fund (NEBMSF) was organized to honor the life of Sea Girt resident Norah Bruther after she was killed by a drunk driver in May 2022. In the years since its inception, the nonprofit organization has been dedicated to empowering the next generation through education.
Norah’s mother Piper Bruther told The Coast Star, “Through this fund we strive to support students in achieving their academic goals, fostering a brighter future in Norah’s memory.”
To date, the organization has awarded a total of four scholarships at both of Norah’s alma maters; Red Bank Catholic High School, where she graduated in 2016, and Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she graduated in 2020. Each scholarship follows the recipient for four years, which Piper said ensures a continued support system throughout their educational journey.
According to Piper, the mission of the foundation is to provide scholarships that expand on educational opportunities for students. However, the work of the NEBMSF doesn’t stop there.
This year, the organization held its first prom dress drive, collecting and donating over 300 prom dresses, along with a few tuxedos, pocketbooks and shoes. Piper said the idea for the dress collection came about after looking through Norah’s closet at the prom dresses she only wore once. “We knew that another girl would appreciate these dresses just as much as she did,” Piper said.
“Norah had a passion for fashion – her sisters were often asked where they got their outfits, to which they would reply, ‘A little boutique called Norah’s closet.’ This initiative feels like a natural extension of her love,” Piper said.
Fittingly named Norah’s Legacy of Love, Piper thanked all participants who donated dresses and local organizations and venues that served as drop-off locations: St. Denis Church in Manasquan, Savvy Hair Loft in Point Pleasant, Dance Mixx Studios in Tinton Falls and Nativity Church in Fair Haven.
Hoping to collect just 30 dresses, after sharing the dress drive on social media and on church bulletins, Piper said the unexpected results of the inaugural collection “was truly humbling.” The widespread collection of dresses, tuxedos and accessories were disbursed to five schools in various counties throughout New Jersey. The collection benefited students from Manasquan High School, Neptune High School, McNair Academic High School in Jersey City and two high schools in Hamilton.
According to Piper, one recipient from McNair High School said, “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved dressing up, so for me being able to have the freedom to choose from so many options really felt like I was given the opportunity to truly express myself. I was able to try on dresses I would otherwise never even consider and it felt like I was able to pick a dress that truly made me happy. The environment felt accepting and it really was great not just to find something I loved, but also seeing others find dresses that they loved, too.”
With appreciation from both students that received the donated dresses and teachers involved, Bruther said, “It was a great inaugural year and will be even better next year.”
The NEBMSF’s marquee event – the annual walk, luncheon and gift auction – is scheduled for May 31 on the Sea Girt boardwalk at 10 a.m. The organization invites the public to come together with family, friends and the community to celebrate Norah’s legacy at the third annual event, enjoying a beautiful day by the shore while supporting educational opportunities for young students.
The day begins with a 1.3-mile walk on the Sea Girt Boardwalk, which is immediately followed by a luncheon at the Parker House, including an array of gift baskets, a 50/50 raffle, food, drinks and more.
For event details, to register and for more information on sponsorship opportunities and the event, visit norahbrutherscholarship.org.
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