On November 19, students from Tenafly High School came together to host a bake sale that raised $162 for Brighter Tomorrow Immigration Services Corp (BTIS), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping immigrants build stable, successful lives in the United States. The fundraiser was organized by members of the Tenafly Spanish Club, who spent weeks planning and spreading the word to ensure the event would be a success. Their hard work paid off as students and staff visited after school to purchase treats to support an important cause.
The bake sale table was filled with homemade cultural treats such as flan, empanadas, pan de bono, churros, and other delicious desserts. The goods were donated by students who wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. The wide variety of food reflected the diversity of the school community, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Many people stopped by not just to buy sweets, but also to talk about the cultures represented by the dishes. By the end of the day, almost everything was sold out.
“It was exciting to see everyone helping out,” J’lyn De Jesus (’27), a club member, said. “Even small purchases added up. It showed that when everyone gives a little, it can turn into something much bigger.”
According to a slideshow created by Rosangel Alcequiez, the owner of the organization, Brighter Tomorrow Immigration Services Corp is a certified nonprofit that provides immigrants with tools and resources for long-term growth and integration. Their mission is to guide individuals toward stability and self-sufficiency through accessible services such as English classes for beginners, citizenship preparation courses, employment resources, and help with citizenship applications and residency renewals. The slideshow explained that BTIS strives to support people at every stage of their journey, whether they are adjusting to a new country, working toward citizenship, or trying to find employment opportunities to support their families.
Recently, BTIS launched a new initiative called Brighter Baskets, a mobile pantry that offers free groceries to families experiencing food insecurity, according to the slideshow. The pantry is stationed every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside their main office in Bergenfield. The program was created after the organization reviewed community surveys showing a growing need for reliable access to food, especially among immigrant and low-income households. Brighter Baskets provides essential pantry items, helping families maintain stability while they work toward long-term goals.
Students who organized the bake sale said they were proud to support a nonprofit that helps so many people in our community. All $162 raised will go toward BTIS programs, including educational support, legal guidance, and Brighter Baskets pantry.
BTIS also encourages young people to get involved by organizing food drives, creating awareness posters, assembling “Kits of Kindness,” or volunteering at their Saturday pantry or Wednesday English classes.
The bake sale may have been small, but it showed how much can be accomplished when students work together. With each churro, empanada, and pan de bono sold, our school helped make the community a little more welcoming—and a little brighter—for everyone.
