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.
Mission
Provide funding for educational opportunities, both basic and innovative, in the Rockford community.
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.

Amy Vancil
Chair, Trustee

Leslie Poot
Vice Chair, Trustee

Bobbi Blanton
Treasurer, Trustee

Duncan Purvis
Secretary, Trustee

Jeremy Amshey
Trustee

Kristy Becker
Trustee

Tim Breadon
Trustee

Trish Castiglione
Trustee

Jenn Davis
Trustee

Anna Leitch
Trustee

Cathy Mannor
Trustee

Kelli Rose
Trustee

Katy Scheffler
Trustee

Mary Kay Shaver
Trustee

Amanda Band
Trustee
Not Pictured:
John Greko
Trustee
Heidi Hall-LaPlante
Trustee

Beth Meyer-Kraff
Executive Director

Jill Silverman
Fund Development Director
Mike Ramm
Rockford Public Schools, Asst. Superintendent
Jake Himmelspach
Rockford Public Schools Board of Education Representative, Ex Officio
Caleb Westveer
Rockford Public Schools Teacher Representative, Ex Officio
Become a Trustee!
Apply now to become an REF Board Trustee member.