Breakfast of Champions Raises $464,263 for Mercer Island School Programs

Mercer Island Schools Foundation's annual Breakfast of Champions raised $464,263, more than a third of the way to the foundation's Bridge the Gap campaign goal this year of $1.2 million.

The funds will help the district retain 18 to 20 classroom teachers, instructional coaches that help teachers, and an arts specialist, according to a Mercer Island School District press release.

About 500 people were at the event at Mercer Island High School's gymnasium on Wednesday, said host, KING-5 TV anchor Jean Enersen. Enersen is a graduate of Mercer Island High School, and reminisced briefly over her time as a student at Mercer Island.

Some of the schools also plan fundraisers throughout the week to help the Mercer Island Schools Foundation reach Bridge the Gap campaign goal, the foundation announced during Wednesday's breakfast. 

The Mercer Island School District released the following information about Wednesday's fundraiser:

On the morning of April 30, 2013, the gymnasium at Mercer Island High School was transformed into a dining and entertainment venue as over 500 friends and supporters of Mercer Island schools gathered for The Mercer Island Schools Foundation’s annual Breakfast of Champions event. KING-5 TV anchor and MIHS alumna, Jean Enersen, hosted the morning festivities. MISF Board member, Cliff Sharples, challenged the attendees to “dig deep” to augment state and local funding for schools. The Foundation is hoping to raise a total of $1.2 million to retain 18-20 classroom teachers, instructional coaches at the secondary schools to help good teachers become great, and fund a K-5 elementary arts specialist for all three schools.

In his keynote speech, Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano said, “The Power of We is about harnessing the commitment among educators, parents, and the wider community that we do make a difference in the world and together we can create synergy and momentum to change the lives of many—with the knowledge that together we are stronger than what we could ever do alone.” 

MISF Executive Director Penny Yantis said, “Today’s event is a very impressive kickoff to the Bridge the Gap campaign. We are thrilled with today’s results and look forward to receiving additional, generous donations in the weeks ahead. Thank you to all!”