The Mathews Community Foundation board approved on April 14 a donation of $1,000 to the Mathews Robotics Team 1137. The grant is to assist with travel expenses to the international competition in St. Louis, Missouri.

The board was inspired by an April 14 Gazette-Journal article stating that the team, also known as Rocket Sauce, had earned its position in the competition by placing fifth out of 35 teams at the mid-March Chesapeake District event and placing second in a subsequent district event, a release stated. Rocket Sauce also won two prizes at the second district event. At least $5,000 is needed to pay for travel for the team, the release said.

“These students have earned their place in the national competition. We hope to inspire donations by others to help make this trip possible,” said MCF chair Reed Lawson.   

The championship competition is on April 27-30, so immediate help is needed. Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to Mathews High School ...