right track to graduation with 92% enrolled as full-time students. The Scholar Cohort Program is just a part of all that the Ed Fund does, but it is a primary focus moving forward. “Our mission is to create a scholarship endowment that will have a much larger impact,” said Mackey. “So you get them the scholarship—that’s great—but what are the other things that are going to help ensure that they’re going to be successful? We’re very interested in seeing how we can build on an endowment program and attract other investors so that this can go into perpetuity and reach more students.” But students will attest that the Scholarship Cohort Program has already made a difference in West County. “With hard work and dedication, anything is possible,” said Dilan Pedraza, a 2012 scholarship recipient from Kennedy High School who is currently a junior at CSU, Chico. “I will always be extremely grateful to the Ed Fund for the great opportunity they offered me through their scholarship program.” Another winner, Samuel Martinez of Contra Costa College’s Class of 2016, adds, “All of the support and great resources from the Ed Fund help students change their lives and make their dreams come true.” These kids need help and we’re the only ones that can do it. To find out how you can support, visit www.edfundwest.org or call (510) 233-1464. P.O. Box 70105 • Richmond • 510-334-6135 richmondfriendsofrecreation.org Samuel Martinez Richmond FRiends oF RecReation our mission: The Richmond Friends of Recreation was originally established in 1979 to rescue the Richmond Natatorium, “the Plunge.” Through the efforts of RFoR, the beautifully restored, historic pool was reopened in August 2010. Today RFOR spearheads three ongoing projects. The Richmond Tennis Association campaigns for tennis facility improvements, organizes classes, and sponsors tennis teams. “Every Third Grader Swims” started this summer. So far, 120 students have participated in this pilot program. A third area of interest is the building of public-access gardens. Groundbreaking and organizing for this effort is happening now, with much of the work taking place at the Plunge Garden, adjacent to the pool. RFOR also supports the work of gardening projects in Janis, Parchester and Belding Woods parks, and the Friends of the Richmond Greenway. What you can do: For more information about the Richmond Friends of Recreation, visit www.rfor.org, or email us at belong2rfor@gmail.com. RFoR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Tax deductible donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 70105, Richmond, CA 94807
Contra Costa Marketplace - Nov 2014
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