A public regulator is legislating funds overhauling organic lake sediment. 

Now, take a deep breath, read the first letter of the words in that first sentence, and continue reading the real news that follows. 

At its March meeting the EGRSF board approved funding of 34 classroom enhancement grants totaling nearly $100,000 ($99,665.43 to be exact). The approved grants will benefit students at all our schools. 

Elementary school grants include funding for March Book Madness, school musicals, and many more. At the middle school, funded grants include robotics, drama support, dissection materials, and others. High school grants include iPads for the science department, art supplies, and funds to provide equitable access to the orchestra and choir educational trip to Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. A full listing of the funded grants is available on our website.

Want to join us as we deliver big checks to the people whose grants were funded? Watch the video below: 

Thank you to everyone who made Saturday's HURRAH! FUNdraiser in The Big Room at Silva such a great night! 

More than 500 people attended the big party, which showcased many of the opportunities the Foundation, thanks to our donors, provides for our students. 

The party would not have been possible without our generous sponsors, who are listed on the HURRAH! page on our website. And it wouldn't have been nearly so much fun without the incredible efforts of our planning committee and volunteers.

Thank you, everyone, for an amazing celebration. We're enormously grateful to live in a community that values public education and supports our students and our schools.

Here's the compilation of students answering, "What's your Hurrah?" that was shown at the party:

The afternoon 18-hole round at the Gerken Open golf outing sold out almost immediately, as it has the last several years. There are still a handful of spots available for the morning 9-hole round.

The Gerken Open Golf Outing is one of the Foundation's most anticipated events, and it’s sold out for the past four years! 

The Gerken Open raises funds for athletics and co-curricular activities through the Foundation’s Gerken Fund and EGR Team Boosters. The event is named in honor of Jimmy Gerken, an East Grand Rapids resident and former staff member with special needs. One of his most memorable quotes is, “That’s okay, I’ll still be your friend,” spoken in response to someone who was bullying him. Jimmy’s enduring spirit and love for sports and co-curriculars are the inspiration for the event, as these were the activities he enjoyed most. The Gerken Fund and EGR Team Boosters help ensure these activities continue to be an integral part of our students’ education. The  Gerken Fund also includes Jimmy's Friendship Fund for families in need.

Register to be a Gerken Open sponsor or book a spot for the morning round today!