Press Release

January 2007- Elementary School Art Grants:

February 5, 2007                                                                       Contact: Julie Rubenstein

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                          541-441-9730

THREE RIVERS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION AWARDS ITS FIRST GRANTS TO SCHOOLS

IRS 501(c)(3) status granted to newly-formed foundation.

The Three Rivers Schools Foundation has issued its first round of grants. Matching grants of $500 were awarded to each of the nine elementary schools in the Three Rivers School District to help pay for Artist in Residence programs. Schools will use the funds to implement school-wide arts programs that otherwise could not be afforded by the District’s instructional budget. (See attached Media Advisory for times & locations of upcoming art events at the schools.)

Recognizing the reality that there isn’t enough funding for programs like visual and performing arts, clubs and competitions, a year ago the school district decided to look into forming a community-based foundation dedicated to offering curriculum enhancements and scholarships. The Three Rivers Schools Foundation was established in the summer of 2006 to enhance and expand educational opportunities for students by encouraging community investment in the Three Rivers District Schools.

Together, this group of parents, teachers, community members, and school officials aim to provide a supplemental source of funding for the kinds of improvements that will encourage students to find a passion that will help them succeed in life beyond school. Although other fundraising goes on within each of the schools, the foundation’s grants will offer long-term fiscal support to education programs at all grade levels (K-12) and in all subject areas. The foundation was granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS at the end of January.

The foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees. Foundation trustees are committed to identifying and cultivating donations and gifts to enhance programs.   Board members include President Lori Worden, Julie Rubenstein, Becky Sullivan, Jerry Fritts, Dave Strahan, John Rickert, Tammy Canady, Constance Marr, Van Granger and Kara Olmo.

For more information about the foundation, go to their web site at www.threeriverskids.org.

Or call 660-5298.