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THE RIVER FUND MAINE
All kids deserve a chance to know what’s possible in life and believe that they can accomplish their goals. The River Fund Maine is focused on making that a reality for families in Western Maine.
We believe that education opens the doors to future success, so we create unique educational programs to help people build careers to be enjoyed, not jobs to be endured. We use our community’s recreational assets to help kids learn how to lead, follow, and work as an effective team. And we know that the future for this beautiful place lies in the support we provide today to help its people achieve their aspirations.
Together we're building a bright future.
In 2018, The River Fund Maine was founded with the goal of creating educational and recreational experiences that can truly change lives. By granting college scholarships, facilitating educational workshops, and supporting community needs, TRFM focuses on bringing all of us who live, work, and play here together to help our community unleash its potential.
Become a Friend of The River Fund Maine today and support our Mission. Volunteer at one of our events. Help us plan new ones. There are many ways to get involved with TRFM and we warmly welcome your participation. By supporting TRFM, all of who enjoy our region can give back to the community that has given so much to us.
River Fund News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2024
The River Fund Maine and Sunday River Resort Partner to Expand Winter Sports Access
Bethel, Maine – The River Fund Maine is thrilled to announce another successful collaboration with Sunday River Resort to provide increased ski and snowboard access to hundreds of children and young adults in the region. The Community Access Pass Scholarship Program provides students whose families meet income requirements with free daily access to the Sunday River slopes.
Through this partnership, over 300 children and young adults residing in and attending schools within the MSAD 44, RSU 10, and MSAD 17 school districts received Community Access Ski Passes. Sunday River generously funded the passes, while The River Fund Maine facilitated the scholarship application process and worked closely with Sunday River to distribute the passes.
The River Fund Maine is also excited to announce an expansion of the Community Access program to include the availability of ski or snowboarding equipment. This year, sixty recipients of the Community Access Ski Passes will receive season-long ski or snowboard rentals, in addition to their season pass. The addition of equipment aims to further break down barriers to winter sports participation and ensure that more young people have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of skiing and snowboarding.
“We are incredibly grateful to Sunday River for their continued commitment to our community,” said Heidi Godomsky, [Executive Director] at The River Fund Maine. “This partnership allows us to provide opportunities for young people in our community to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding. We hope to empower young people to develop a lifelong passions for winter sports and outdoor activities. None of what we do would be possible without the generous support of Sunday River. Their long history of supporting people, organizations and initiatives demonstrates their dedication to being a good neighbor and contributing to the well-being of the community.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Heidi Godomsky, The River Fund Maine, 207.418.0452, heidi@riverfundmaine.org
Emma Koch of Rumford, Maine
Awarded the first Jason York Trade Scholarship
by The River Fund Maine
Newry, Maine - August 9, 2024: The River Fund Maine is thrilled to announce Emma Koch as the first recipient of the prestigious Jason York Trade Scholarship. This scholarship, named after the late Jason York, a skilled and passionate painter, honors his legacy by supporting aspiring trade professionals in Maine.
Emma, a 2024 graduate of Mountain Valley High School and Region 9 School of Applied Technology, hails from Rumford, Maine. She has shown a remarkable commitment to welding, displaying both a passion for the craft and a natural talent. Reflecting on her journey, Emma shared with us that her interest in welding started as a whim, “I started participating in the welding program(at Region 9) during my Junior year of high school just to try it out. A few of my family members have a history with welding so it intrigued me. After a month in the program I started loving the class and I was pretty good at it too. My welding class and my instructor opened up so many more doors for my future. I found over the two years in that class that I had a knack for the detailed and intricate side of welding, most commonly associated with TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding.”
Emma’s dedication to learning, her strong work ethic, and her commitment to excellence made her a standout candidate for the scholarship. “We are incredibly impressed with Emma’s enthusiasm to learn and succeed in the trade of welding, and her pursuit of running her own business creating and selling customized home decor and hardware,” said Heidi Godomsky, Executive Director of The River Fund Maine. “We are proud to support her journey.”
The Jason York Trade Scholarship provides financial assistance to help recipients cover expenses related to their trade education, such as tuition, tools, and apprenticeship costs. The scholarship is funded by generous contributions from the community as well the York and Pelletier families, Clean Cut Painting and the Morris Family Charitable Fund
“This scholarship is a testament to Jason’s passion for the trades and his commitment to helping young people succeed,” said Michael Pelletier of Clean Cut Painting, Jason’s brother and the seed donor of this scholarship. “We are proud to honor Jason’s memory by supporting a scholarship that helps talented students like Emma pursue a career in the trades.”
Emma Koch is excited to receive this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to using the scholarship to further her skills and pursue her dream of welding and running a business that sells her handcrafted metalwork. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am extremely blessed and honored to be receiving the first Jason York Trade Scholarship from The River Fund Maine. The welding and business programs at CMCC will help prepare me to accomplish my ambition of starting my own business for customized welded home decor and hardware."
**About The River Fund Maine**
The River Fund Maine is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting education, community development, and environmental sustainability in Maine. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the River Fund Maine helps to create a brighter future for those who live in Western Maine. More specifically, the River Fund Maine provides both college and trade school scholarships, funds many local community organizations and initiatives and supports youth recreational programs and initiatives that offer access to ‘human-powered' sports such xc skiing, mountain biking, alpine ski touring, running, hiking and climbing.
**About The Jason York Trade Scholarship**
The Jason York Trade Scholarship was established in memory of Jason York, a skilled and dedicated tradesperson who tragically passed away in 2024. The scholarship honors his legacy by supporting aspiring trade professionals in Maine and providing them with education and resources they need to succeed. The Jason York scholarship is funded by the York and Pelletier families, Clean Cut Painting, Cindy and Cuyler Morris and other generous donors in our Western Maine communities.
Please consider a donation to help support the Jason York Trade Scholarship or the College Scholarship
For Immediate Release
Contact Heidi Godomsky, The River Fund Maine, 207.418.0452, heidi@riverfundmaine.org
The River Fund Maine
Announces 2024 College Scholarship Recipient
Kyra Rose-Espinoza of Albany Township, Maine
April 26, 2024, Newry, Maine: The River Fund Maine is pleased to announce their fifth scholar, Kyra Rose-Espinoza of Albany Township, Maine. The River Fund Maine Scholarship is an educational initiative with a focus of assisting talented students in developing an education plan that leads to a fulfilling and rewarding career, not just a job. The Scholarship is deeply rooted in TRFM’s mission of supporting youth in their educational and career aspirations.
The River Fund Maine Scholarship provides its recipient with up to $20,000 each year for four years toward the cost of college tuition and fees, room and board, books and educational supplies. The River Fund also provides the scholar with access to financial counseling and professional mentoring.
Kyra Rose-Espinoza is a senior at Telstar High School. Kyra ranks #3 in her class and is a National Honor Student. Kyra was a standout in both field hockey and basketball, receiving MVC All-Academic Recognition for both sports during her senior year. Kyra may be a familiar face to many as she is the assistant baker at the Gemini Bakery in Bethel, Maine - a position she has held since her junior year..
Kyra will attend Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. She will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. Given the exploding dining scene in Providence, Kyra is excited to be positioned in Providence while pursuing an education in culinary arts.
“As the principal of Telstar High School, I am excited for and proud of our very own Kyra Rose-Espinoza being named as the River Fund Scholar for 2024! Kyra is not only one of our top academic students but also an all-star field hockey player and an aspiring chef. This award is a testament to her hard work and dedication in all her endeavors.
Kyra's exceptional talents and commitment to excellence have consistently distinguished her amongst her peers. Her ability to excel both in the classroom and on the field is truly commendable. Her passion for culinary arts has added a unique flavor to her impressive list of accomplishments.
Receiving the River Fund Scholarship is a significant milestone. It will greatly assist Kyra in the pursuit of her dreams. The support from River Fund Maine will enable her to attend Johnson and Wales, where she can continue to hone her culinary skills and further her education in a field she is deeply passionate about.” says John Eliot.
**About The River Fund Maine**
The River Fund Maine is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting education, community development, and environmental sustainability in Maine. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the River Fund Maine helps to create a brighter future for those who live in Western Maine. More specifically, the River Fund Maine provides both college and trade school scholarships, funds many local community organizations and initiatives and supports youth recreational programs and initiatives that offer access to ‘human-powered' sports such xc skiing, mountain biking, alpine ski touring, running, hiking and climbing.