Welcome To Golden Apple Foundation
Golden Apple Foundation recognizes teachers and empowers them with classroom resources to improve educational outcomes in our community.
The Foundation operates entirely on the generous financial support of community businesses and individuals, as well as the more than 400 volunteers who donate their time and energy to make our programs successful.
Our Programs
Since 1997, Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford has been inspiring, celebrating and supporting educational excellence in public and private schools in Winnebago and Boone counties through our core programs: awards and recognition, grants, scholarships, the Teacher Academy and community engagement.
Upcoming Dates
June 18, 2025
Portillo’s Rockford, is giving back! Golden Apple will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. Join us at 6090 E. State St., Rockford, for some great food and drinks! Order online or in-app for pickup using code PORTILLOS36 before checkout in the “Coupon Code” field or let cashier know when ordering at the restaurant. Valid on drive-thru, pickup, kiosk and in-restaurant orders!
June 19, 2025
Garden Explorers at Anderson Japanese Gardens! Caitlin Pusateri, Chief Operating Officer of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce will read children’s stories and Teacher Academy teachers will have lots of fun and educational activities for the kiddos. From 9-10 a.m. Thursday, June 19. More details to come, but save the date!
July 7, 2025
Guest Bartending Event for Belvidere CUSD100: Join Golden Apple at Coach’s Corner, 622 S. State St., Belvidere, for drinks and dinner. We’ll get a portion of receipts and all the tips in the tip jar! There is also a car show from 5-9 p.m. that night along with Texas Hold ‘Em at 7 p.m.! Money raised at this event supports grants, scholarships and recognition programs for teachers in Boone and Winnebago County schools.
July 16-17, 2025
Guest Bartender Night:
- Swing by Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford on July 16, to support guest bartenders from RPS205 (including Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett!).
- Educators from Harlem CUSD122 will be at Rascal’s, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park, July 16. They will also be holding a silent auction here!
- Join educators from Hononegah Nations at Louie’s TapHouse, 5689 Elevator Road, Roscoe, on July 17. Bring your dog if you want to party on the patio!
100% of proceeds from the tip jars and a portion of food and beverage purchases will support scholarships, grants and recognition programs for Boone and Winnebago County teachers. This is always a fun event to relax and have fun with your colleagues, friends and family! Join us!
News
2025 Excellence in Education Banquet Held April 25
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Kathi Edwards
Gayle Haab Named 2025 Jan Jones Service Award recipient
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Megan Forsythe named 2025 GA Outstanding Principal
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Golden Apple Day 2025 surprised six area teachers
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Get Involved
We need volunteers to continue our mission! Learn more about our committees and the many ways you can help, including fund development, special events, grants and more!
Teacher Academy
Through the Golden Apple Teacher Academy where Golden Apple teachers mentor and share their knowledge with other teachers through our professional development programs.
