More than 120 volunteers will be calling on the Rockford community to support education programs during the annual Rockford Education Foundation (REF) Phone-a-thon February 15-17. They will be calling residents those evenings, asking for donations to the REF to fund school and other education projects and programs in Rockford.
The Phone-a-thon is one of the primary fundraisers for the foundation. “Thanks to our generous donors, the foundation awarded over $60,000 in grant money this year,” said Theresa Webb, Phone-a-thon chairperson and member of the REF Board of Trustees. “Unfortunately we had to turn down thousands of dollars in grant requests.”
Budget cuts and the state of the economy have made REF grants even more important to Rockford public and private schools.
“The requests for grants are up, and we wish we could fund every worthy program,” said Sue Arend, REF administrator. “We’re grateful for the generosity of our community in responding to our calls during the Phone-a-thon because the more money we raise, the more we have to fund grants to further educational opportunities in our schools and community.”
The REF is supported solely by charitable donations by individuals, businesses and organizations. Those interested in making a donation prior to the Phone-a-thon or volunteering to make calls during the event can contact REF at (616) 863-6317.
Phone-a-thon Feb. 15-17 raises needed funds for education programs
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