POST FALLS — In the past 23 years, the Post Falls Education Foundation has awarded $635,000 in grants to allow teachers to turn their classrooms into student laboratories and imagination wonderlands.

These extra funds have given students more access to projects like making electrical circuits, exploring plant and animal habitats and enriching their knowledge of historical fiction.

John Klapp, who teaches the gifted and talented program for second- through fifth-graders and oversees an after-school science academy, said hundreds of his students have benefited from the gifts of the Post Falls Education Foundation.

"It's given us the chance to make some of our dream scenarios come into play," he said Wednesday. "We can dream a little harder for what we can do with the kids."

To support the foundation in its mission to support teachers and students, the foundation will host its 24th annual Wine, Stein and Dine event from 7 to 10 p.m. March 7 at the Post Falls Greyhound Park and Event Center, 5100 W. Riverbend Ave.

This casual soirée will include tasting of premier regional wines, microbrews and hard ciders from local breweries, along with tasty bites from area restaurants and caterers. Live music will be provided by Bill Bozly and friends. Guests will also be invited to bid on items in a large silent auction and participate in a wine tree raffle.

Post Falls Education Foundation funds have helped his classroom purchase microscopes, which are essential for engaging kids in countless lessons and projects.

"It's remarkable. I've been here for 18 years, and in that time, every year I've been able to benefit from that,” he said. "These people put in the time and effort. It shows this community really cares about schools."

The Post Falls Education Foundation is a nonprofit that awards grants to K-12 educators across the Post Falls School District to help pay for materials and equipment for innovative projects in all subjects. Its goal is to offer teachers opportunities to easily apply for grant money that can enhance curriculum beyond district budget capabilities.

"The board looks at ideas that are a little out of the box for the teachers to provide classroom curriculum that gives their kids different perspectives," said board member Val Wilcox. "It's just another way to help education."

Wilcox said the foundation receives about 120 grant requests per year and annually pays out about $40,000.

"My kids grew up in this district, and I worked for the school district for 10 years," she said. "I knew the grants firsthand and I could see the need for them in the classroom."

All proceeds from Wine, Stein and Dine will go to the Post Falls Education Foundation in its support of education in Post Falls.

"It’s an absolutely fun event," Wilcox said.

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at www.pfefwsd.org or at these Post Falls locations: Columbia Bank, Mountain West Bank, Super 1 Foods, Yoke's Fresh Market, Post Falls Brewing Company, Selkirk Abbey Brewing, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Post Falls School District Office and Washington Trust Bank.

Info: www.pfefwsd.org or call 208-691-4675