Following Tuesday morning’s Breakfast of Champions, the Mercer Island Schools Foundation has announced it has raised a record amount of money to go to the Mercer Island School District.

Tuesday’s seventh annual breakfast raised over $480,000, which was 10 percent more than last year’s results, according to the district.

“In these tough times, it’s gratifying to see the Mercer Island community step up and continue to invest in our schools and teachers, ensuring we can deliver outstanding education to all students in our district,” said Superintendent Gary Plano in a press release. “This incredible outpouring of generosity will continue to help us mitigate the effects of the Olympia-based budget gaps while starting to deliver on our far-reaching 2020 Vision promise.”

The breakfast was attended by 525 people, another record, at Mercer Island High School. The keynote speaker was Dr. Fred Mednick, who founded Teachers Without Borders.

The funds will go toward reducing the district’s $500,000 deficit, which will curb the district’s need to reduce teaching or support staff.

“This year, we had an extra challenge with the down economy and the sharp budget cuts from Olympia,” said Penny Yantis, MISF executive director, in a press release. “Our supporters responded tremendously during these tough times, helping us weather the storm while providing a path for an even greater future for our students, staff and community.”

For more information on MISF, visit the MISF homepage or call 275-2550.