Steve Berry, President of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation Board of Directors recently announced that Bob Gurr, one of Disneyland’s Legendary Imagineers, has accepted REEF’s invitation to serve as Honorary Chairman. Members of the REEF Board welcomed the news, for Bob’s inspiration has been contagious during the past three years in which he has supported REEF’s dream to enrich educational opportunities in the Riverside Unified School District.
In 2003, Bob established a separate, named endowment designated for students in grades seven through eight “to inspire and excite students to pursue careers in the practical trades….this endowment to eventually be the recipient of a six-figure bequest.”
Bob’s own imagination as a young boy eventually led him to create many of Walt Disney’s dreams and to become known as a Disneyland “Legendary Imagineer”. How those creations were accomplished is published in Bob’s columns written over the past 6 years for the Disney fan web site, www.laughingplace.com. These columns include not only all the assignments Walt Disney gave him, but tell of additional work he has done for Universal Studios and various Las Vegas attractions.
In May, 2006, Bob spent two days in our school district visiting each of the middle schools and meeting with principals, students and library media teachers. “I’m truly impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of everyone we met during the visits”, he said. “And I have a far better idea of where grant help can be applied through the future years.” He added, “…I plan to expand on the range of activities the “Gurr Fund” might support with future grants, so that REEF will have a clear instruction that will endure.”
As a retired Imagineer, Bob enjoys traveling and his passion for mountain biking, but Bob told the REEF Board, “My future plans do center around what we can provide all my middle school ‘kiddies’”.
The REEF Board, Dr. Rainey and the RUSD staff and students welcome Bob as Honorary Chairman of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation!
