When it was first formed in 1989, the Riverside-Brookfield High School Educational Foundation hoped it would be able to provide educational opportunities to students, teachers and staff at RBHS. Never could they have realized that in 2015 they would have distributed more than $500,000, raised mainly through the foundation’s annual telethon.
With the support of the school’s audio visual department, with RBTV Director Gary Prokes assisted by Mary Todhunter and their students, the foundation is able to produce a telethon that rivals any seen on TV. It has been recognized for its professionalism.
This year the Telethon will be broadcast live on Feb. 21 from 1 to 9 p.m. and can be seen on Comcast Channel 16 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99. It will also be streaming live online at rbtv.tv.
Viewers of the Telethon will be able to see a variety of acts, many featuring RBHS students, including magician Trent Ketchmark. Volunteers will be manning the phone bank to receive donation calls, while guest hosts interview past grant recipients, who tell about their experiences made possible by the foundation.
Anyone wanting to donate money during the telethon may do so by phone at 708-442-9990 or by visiting online at www.rbef.tv. Donations can be made out to the Riverside Brookfield Educational Foundation in care of Riverside-Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546.
Callers will also have a chance to get in on some great premiums, including restaurant certificates to The Chew Chew, Cheesecake Factory, Fuego, Palmer Place, Blueberry Hill and Nickson’s to name a few.
How about a 10-pound bar of chocolate from Aunt Diana’s? There will also be gift and certificates from Trader Joe’s, Costco, Shamrock Flowers, Sam’s Club and Salon Elia, with many more being added daily.
New this year from Non Stop Entertainment is the use of a photo booth for one night including pictures.
If you’re into nostalgia and you want to give something to your favorite RBHS athlete past or present, you will able to get the panels from the press box at recently demolished Shuey Stadium.
Through the efforts of more than 100 people who will give their time to continuing the success of the foundation’s telethon, students and staff will continue to apply for grants that will provide them with educational opportunities.
To learn more about the foundation or the telethon go to the foundation’s website at www.rbef.tv.
