Education Foundation
River Trails – No Better Place to Learn! To Live! To Give!
Officers
- President: Sally Duray
- Vice President: Ann Forman
- Treasurer: Sandra Fahey
Contact: smpd@astound.net
Background Information:
The River Trails Education Foundation was founded in 1991 by a group of River Trails School District 26 business professionals, educators and parents who saw the need for a support organization which would provide enrichment programs not funded through normal tax funds and other channels. It is the Foundation’s belief that quality education and quality communities work hand in hand.
The Foundation was established as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, which allows tax deductible donations to the full extent of the law. Monies are raised through various fund-raising events held annually, as well as corporate gifts, individual gifts and memorial bequests. Individuals often take advantage of corporate matching gifts, when they are available.
To date, the Foundation has donated in excess of $300,000 to the four district elementary schools which it supports: Euclid School, Indian Grove School, Priarie Trails School and River Trails Middle School.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the River Trails Education Foundation is to promote the value of public education. The Foundation acquires and distributes resources which enhance River Trails School District 26 education programs and projects and provide enriched educational opportunities for learners.
Board of Trustees:
The River Trails Education Foundation elects Officers and Directors at its annual meeting each fall. Officers, consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer are elected to a one year term. Directors are elected to the Board of Trustees for a three year term. The Board is a diverse group of local business representatives, parents and a teacher representative from each of the three schools. The River Trails School District 26 Superintendent is a de facto member of the Board, as is the current District 26 School Board President, or his or her designee. The Chairman of the Education Foundation makes an annual report to the School Board to apprise them of the Foundation’s progress in accomplishing its goals.
Donation Information:
Donations to the River Trails Education Foundation can be mailed to:
River Trails Education Foundation
1900 E. Kensington Road
Mount Prospect, IL 60056-1999
Attention: River Trails Education Foundation
Donations can also be made via PayPal
Endowment Fund:
In 1999, the Education Foundation Board of Trustees established an Endowment Fund “to enhance the financial integrity and stability of the River Trails Education Foundation and to provide a steady source of income in the future for the financial needs of the Foundation.” This fund serves as a receptacle for all donations to the Foundation from Wills and other memorial bequests, and donations or funds raised which are not otherwise designated for another purpose, and helps to ensure the longevity of the Foundation. This diversified Endowment Fund is managed by Trustee Brian Hamm of Edward Jones & Company in Mount Prospect. The fund has now grown to over $100,000. It is the Foundation’s long term goal to grow the Endowment Fund to the point that fundraising events will no longer be necessary, and the Foundation’s annual service projects will be funded from the income generated by the Endowment Fund.
Service Projects:
Fine Arts Grants:
The River Trails Education Foundation has made a commitment to promoting fine arts programs in School District 26. To that end, the Foundation funds Fine Arts Grants which enable virtually every child in the District to attend at least one live arts performance of a theatrical nature (drama, music, art, dance, etc.) per year. It is our intention that all of our district students should have exposure to the wonders of the fine arts world, by experiencing a live, professional production. Some of the field trips we have funded have included trips to the Marriott Lincolnshire Children’s Theatre, Center East Theatre, Face-to-Face Productions, the Hemmeter Theater and many others.
Miscellaneous Projects Funded:
In the past, the Foundation has sponsored a one day visit from NASA of an enormous “Teaching Vehicle” equipped with NASA scientists and state-of-the-art equipment, and paid for substitute teachers to allow numerous teachers in the District to participate in this unique educational experience. Further, the Foundation sponsored Martha Medina from Euclid School to attend Space Camp for a week at NASA’s facility in Virginia. The Foundation has also made significant ongoing donations of high technology equipment, including classroom computers, as well as contributed toward the purchase of laboratory equipment to be used in the recently-renovated science labs at the River Trails Middle School.
Fund Raising Projects:
The Education Foundation has hosted a variety of fundraising and social events, including a dinner dance, Oktoberfest, bedding plant sale, customized school Christmas ornament sale, miscellaneous raffles, etc.
Memorial Donations:
The Foundation welcome memorial donations to its endowment fund. Please remember the River Trails Education Foundation when planning your estate.
Thank you for your generosity and your commitment to quality education in River Trails School District 26!
Upcoming Events:
Contact the Foundation's Executive Director for information.