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.
2017-2018 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.
Brian Kraus
Chair, Trustee
Joane VanLuven
Secretary, Trustee
Jeremy Amshey
Trustee
Jenn Davis
Trustee
Nancy Jesko
Trustee
Bobbie Blanton
Vice Chair, Trustee
Jill Silverman
Executive Director
Catherine Behrendt
Trustee
Jill Ericksen
Trustee
Kelsey Schultz
Trustee
Kelly Timmer
Treasurer, Trustee
Beth Dornan
Past Chair, Trustee
Sandy Buchanich
Trustee
Scott Gerhardt
Trustee
Amy Vancil
Trustee
Dr. Michael Shibler
Rockford Public Schools Superintendent, Ex Officio
Geoffrey L. Downs
Rockford Public Schools Board of Education Representative, Ex Officio
Terry Hibdon
Rockford Public Schools Teacher Representative, Ex Officio
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
– Warren Bennis