In 2006 the Riverview Educational Foundation had a banner year, and Riverview students will be reaping the rewards.

Thanks to three successful fundraising events and numerous donations through United Way and other sources, this February REF was able to award over $39,000 in grants to teachers and schools in the Riverview School District. In addition, the Foundation is establishing three $2,000 scholarships that will be awarded at the end of the school year.

Last September REF held its 8th annual “REF Golf Classic” and its first Dinner/Auction event, “On Par for Education.”

With the golf tournament in the morning and the Dinner/Auction in the evening, the back-to-back events generated a lot of excitement in the Valley.

Community support was tremendous, and the proceeds funded this year’s grants. In addition, the auction attendees donated an extra $6,000 during REF’s special “Fund a Scholarship” event. This money will provide scholarships for three Cedarcrest High School students who have demonstrated outstanding support for the Riverview School District.

REF grants are typically used to buy books, equipment, technology, musical instruments, or special projects that enhance the curriculum or provide innovative educational opportunities for students.

This year 26 General grants were approved, totaling $31,749.17. These grants include: lab equipment for science labs at Cedarcrest High School; research materials about pioneer days for students at Carnation Elementary; flip-form risers for music classes and performances at Cherry Valley Elementary; audio book sets for primary classrooms at Stillwater Elementary; and eight sessions of the Museum of Flight’s “portable planetarium” at Tolt Middle School.

In addition, this year REF awarded eight Health & Wellness grants, which were funded by the 1st annual “REF Runs for Riverview” races and the associated Health & Wellness Expo.

The event, informally called the “Turkey Trot,” was held to promote the health and well-being of students and raise awareness of health and fitness issues for students and adults alike.

Some of the eight H&W grants funded by the Turkey Trot are: exercise balls for Eagle Rock Multi-Age; PE equipment for Carnation Elementary; new harnesses and ropes for the climbing wall at Tolt Middle School; and aerobic fitness and strength training equipment for Cedarcrest High School.

Together, the races and the Health & Wellness Expo not only provided $7,643.29 in grants to Riverview schools, they also brought the community together for a day of fun and education.

Many businesses, community members, students, parents, school district staff and school board members gave generous donations of time and money that made these grant awards and scholarships possible.

For more information about this year’s REF grant awards, REF scholarships, or to find out how you can get involved with the Foundation, visit www.REFweb.org.