About Us
A Foundation for TomorrowOur goal is to give $2 million in grants by our 30th anniversary in 2021. In 1991, a visionary group of leaders created REF to fill gaps created by school funding shortfalls by providing funds for classroom and community projects. In its first 20 years, REF awarded $1 million in grants to hundreds of projects and programs that enhance learning in our community.
2018-2019 Trustees
The REF Board of Trustees are volunteers who raise funds and award grants to teachers, administrators, students and community leaders to enrich learning in our community. The Board meets bimonthly August through June.
Bobbie Blanton
Chair, Trustee
Amy Vancil
Vice Chair, Trustee
Scott Gerhardt
Treasurer, Trustee
Duncan Purvis
Secretary, Trustee
Brian Kraus
Past Chair, Trustee
Jeremy Amshey
Trustee
Sandy Buchanich
Trustee
George Carroll
Trustee
Jenn Davis
Trustee
Chris Gervat
Trustee
Nancy Jesko
Trustee
Leslie Poot
Trustee
Kelli Rose
Trustee
Mary Kay Shaver
Trustee
Kristy Becker
Trustee
(Not Pictured)
Beth Meyer-Kraff
Executive Director
Jill Silverman
Fund Development Director
Dr. Michael Shibler
Rockford Public Schools Superintendent, Ex Officio
Geoffrey L. Downs
Rockford Public Schools Board of Education Representative, Ex Officio
Sarah Reickard
Rockford Public Schools Teacher Representative, Ex Officio
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
– Warren Bennis