Since the Russellville City Schools Education Foundation was established in May 2012, the nonprofit has given away thousands in scholarships and grants to further education in Russellville – from helping students attend college to providing supplies and technology for RCS teachers.

Funding education is no small feat, and Foundation members said it is the continued support of the community that makes it all possible. The Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year is on the horizon, and with it, the perfect opportunity to support students and teachers in Russellville: the annual Scholarship Dinner.

This year’s dinner will be held April 18 at the A.W. Todd Centre with a silent auction beginning at 5 p.m., the welcome and opening remarks beginning at 6 p.m., and the dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Foundation President Kristy Gist said they hope to sell 150 tickets this year.

In addition to the Dr. Wayne Ray Scholarship, the Patti Kimbrough Scholarship and four $500 scholarships, the Foundation will add a new scholarship this year: the Raymond Grissom Scholarship.

Tickets for the banquet are $50, which includes the meal and participation in the silent auction. A Chinese auction will also accompany the evening’s festivities. Auction items are donated by local individuals, businesses and organizations and include trips, gift certificates, coolers, tech items, jewelry and other goodies.

“We’re excited about it. We hope we have a good turnout,” said Foundation member Natalie Bendall.

Howard Beale from Twin Pines will cater the meal, as he has each year.

In addition to the silent auction and Chinese auction fundraisers, entertainment will be provided by Lauren Ritter and a small ensemble. As has become a tradition of the banquet, special programming is planned to honor several Russellville alumni and graduates who have gone on to achieve success in their lives and careers.

Tickets for the banquet will be available through April 11 and may be purchased at the RCS Central Office or from any Foundation board member or by emailing Bendall at natalie.bendall@rcs.k12.al.us. Businesses that are interested in donating items for the silent auction and Chinese auction can do so through April 12 and may also contact Bendall for more information.