A college acceptance letter should mark the beginning of a dream, not the moment a student realizes it may be financially out of reach.
Danny Persaud, owner of Tropical Isle Restaurant, hopes to change that reality for students across Queens through The Tropical Isle Charitable Foundation’s inaugural charity golf outing Oct. 20 at Inwood Country Club.
The event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., will bring together golfers, business leaders, and community supporters for a day of golf, food, networking, raffles and fundraising. Proceeds will support scholarships for deserving students and provide essential classroom supplies to local schools.
Persaud established the Tropical Isle Charitable Foundation this year as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, driven by a deeply personal commitment to helping students overcome financial barriers to education.
“I see a lot of smart kids that get into good schools and they just can’t afford to go… I just wanna be able to help to change this,” the businessman said.
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Danny Persaud, owner of Tropical Isle Restaurant, enjoys a golf outing with his twin daughters. His passion for golf inspired the Tropical Isle Charitable Foundation’s fundraising efforts for local students.The Tropical Isle Charitable Foundation[/caption]
He knows the sacrifices families make to build better futures. After immigrating to the United States about 40 years ago, he watched his parents work 10 to 12 hours a day to provide for their family.
Those experiences shaped his understanding of hard work, opportunity, and the importance of giving back.
Persaud also remembers older relatives who gained admission to good colleges but could not afford to attend, forcing them to pursue alternative educational paths.
He wants to help ensure financial hardship does not prevent today's students from pursuing their ambitions.
“If I could help one or two or as much as possible, then I feel I’ve done something productive,” he said.
The foundation plans to identify students who demonstrate academic potential and financial need, with an emphasis on communities including Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Its work will extend beyond higher education. The organization also hopes to provide local schools with basic supplies as well.
Persaud said some teachers resort to crowdfunding to obtain materials for their classrooms, highlighting the need for additional community support.
The golf outing offers residents, businesses and sponsors an opportunity to invest directly in educational opportunities and help ease the financial burdens facing students and schools.
Persaud’s goal is to turn community generosity into meaningful opportunities for the next generation.