A total of $16,652.94 was awarded in areas such as: reading materials, new equipment, supplies for social studies, math, science and physical education. The school board unanimously approved all the grants on January 24th, 2006.

REF grants are very popular with the school district, because they provide resources for projects that would not be funded through the regular budget. Grant proposals were submitted by teachers, students, staff and community members within the district.

The school with the most awards granted was Tolt Middle School which received eight, followed by Carnation and Cherry Valley Elementary schools with three each, and Cedarcrest High School and Stillwater Elementary receiving two each.

To date, REF has awarded over $136,000 in grants.

Individual donors, businesses and tournament sponsors support the schools by helping to make these grants possible.

The Riverview Educational Foundation, an all-volunteer, 501C3 organization, receives its funding from tax-deductible contributions by individuals and businesses, United Way payroll deduction donations, REFsong concerts and the annual “REF Golf Classic” tournament.

One of the best ways to support the grant process is to volunteer for the upcoming golf tournament. Last September’s tournament raised over $15,000 for the 2006 grant season.

For more details about the grants that were awarded or general information on how you can become involved, visit REF’s Web site at www.refweb.org or call (425) 844-4960. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to REF, PO Box 62, Carnation, WA 98014.