NEWS 2019

When Peter Spielhagen, the beloved proprietor of Forest Hall Antiques, passed away earlier this year, his husband, Reggie Cheong-Leen, wanted to honor his memory in a special way.

Reggie has established and endowed a scholarship fund at Greater Pike Community Foundation to support a cause that was important to both he and Peter:  Immigrants to the U.S. seeking opportunity and better lives for their families.

The Reggie Cheong-Leen and Peter Spielhagen Scholarship Fund will assist the children of first-generation immigrants graduating from Delaware Valley High School in obtaining higher education and a career path in their new country. The fund, which will accept applications starting in 2020, will provide significant multi-year financial support for post-secondary education for a student who is a child of non-citizens. Up to $20,000 annually will be provided, for up to four years, to support attendance at a university, college, or trade school.

“Education is the key for immigrants. I was fortunate that I had that opportunity, and I want to pay it forward by making that opportunity available to others,” said Cheong-Leen. “In a time when there is so much anti-immigration feeling, which is divisive and dangerous, it is more important than ever that those of us who can stand up for the American dream do so.”

Cheong-Leen and Spielhagen immigrated separately to the U.S. as young people with hopes and dreams for a new life, which they found together after leading fulfilling careers in the garment industry and the antiques business, respectively.  After residing and working in New York City, they transferred to Milford in 1988 and purchased Forest Hall at the corner of Harford and Broad streets, where they operated Forest Hall Antiques and rented retail space. Over the years, Reggie and Peter became deeply involved in the community through their business and volunteer endeavors.

Greater Pike is now accepting donations on behalf of the Reggie Cheong-Leen and Peter Spielhagen Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made payable to GPCF-Cheong-Leen/Spielhagen Fund and mailed to Greater Pike Community Foundation, P.O. Box 992, Milford PA 18337.  For questions about this Fund, or any other Greater Pike Fund, contact Jenni Hamill, Executive Director, (570) 832-4686.

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