CEF phone-a-thon coming this week

Local residents will soon hear their phones ring with eager middle school students on the other end of the line, seeking financial support for the Camas Educational Foundation.

The 13th annual phone-a-thon will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Tuesday, Feb. 21 to Thursday, Feb. 23.

This year, CEF is hoping to raise $18,000, which will go directly to mini and major grant programs at Camas schools.

According to CEF, the grant programs add support for innovation and curriculum enhancements across the district.

Previous grants have included funds for Science Olympiad, play equipment for the Papermaker Preschool, microscopes, musical instruments, art training, guest authors and high tech devices, among other things.

“These programs would not exist without the generosity of the Camas community,” said Ron Gompertz, CEF president. “CEF is a 100 percent volunteer organization.”

More than 150 students will call 1,000 households across the district during the three nights of the phone-a-thon. They will be fed food and beverages donated by local businesses.

“Aside from raising money for CEF, this gives middle school kids a chance to act like adults and call these households, and do it in a very grown-up way,” Gompertz said. “They have a lot of character and maintain their politeness.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.cefcamas.org.