The Breakfast of Champions will be held on Tuesday morning, April 24, at Mercer Island High School. The invitations are out and everyone is invited to attend. It is the time for the community — parents, community leaders and businesses — to come together to celebrate innovative programs, exceptional students and outstanding teachers. Together, we will celebrate 30 years of growth and an ever-present success that stems from a collective community belief that we want our students to have a world-class education, regardless of the economic climate.

The Breakfast of Champions event is the culmination of many months of planning  by board members and volunteers who are dedicated advocates for public education. The morning’s showcase program will illustrate how community support directed to our schools truly makes a difference in the quality of education for all students.

From its first gift to the Mercer Island School District in 1981, the Mercer Island Schools Foundation has directed community donations that have been life-changing for students and teachers. To all of those who have contributed to the present and to all of those who will participate in the future, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

Our success is only possible because of your generous support.

All gifts this spring will be designated to the Bridge the Gap Campaign. Following  last year’s unprecedented community-wide donations, the Bridge the Gap Task Force has established an ambitious $1.2 million fundraising goal. Funding at this level will allow the school district to keep 20 teachers in classrooms. Successful fundraising will also provide the resources for the district to maintain the lowest possible class sizes. As the Mercer Island Schools Foundation continues to expand its reach to further fund our schools and the futures of over 4,000 students, it is becoming increasingly important to develop more community involvement. Community support from families and the local business community again this year is absolutely critical to provide the quality of education our community expects and our children deserve.

We look back with great pride and humility at our journey over the past 30 years. We are proud of what the Mercer Island Schools Foundation and our donors have accomplished. At the same time, we look ahead with confidence and enthusiasm toward the future.

Please join us as we celebrate this milestone at the Breakfast of Champions on Tuesday, April 24. Your support will help Bridge the Gap and fund the future.

There is no greater investment than the education of our children.

Reserve your spot now

Reservations for the breakfast are required to attend.

To reserve your spot at the breakfast, please call 275-2550 or register online at www.mercerislsandschoolsfoundation.com/breakfast.

Penny Yantis is the executive director of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation.