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.
2020-2021 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
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
Become a Trustee!
Apply now to become an REF Board Trustee member.
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
– Warren Bennis