By Amy Schechter
Although the weather has not gotten the memo, the shortened summer is coming to an end, and soon teachers and students will be back in classrooms across Hillsborough County. The SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a new teacher’s breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m. on Friday, August 5, at the Southshore Falls Clubhouse located in the Del Webb community at 5831 Cascade Falls Ln. in Apollo Beach. They will also be raising money, in the form of cash donations or $10 Walmart or Target gift cards, and donations for needed school supplies for 14 schools in the SouthShore area south of Big Bend Road.
Leilani Warbritton, the marketing and public relations assistant with the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, organizes the annual event. “Just a little bit of money can make a difference. School supplies are needed to reduce the amount teachers have to provide on their own,” she said.
There are different tiers of donations to entice community members and businesses to contribute. Although the promotions are geared toward business owners, community donations are also welcome. A cash donation of $20 will sponsor one teacher and school supplies or gift cards that will go toward the schools. Donors will be invited to leave a business card at each teacher’s seat. For $60, donors can sponsor two teachers and leave business cards in each gift bag to be handed out to participants. “Teacher’s Friend” Table Sponsors contribute $150 and receive business cards in every gift bag, promotional materials at each table, mention in the event program, and a sponsor’s place at the table to attend. “Breakfast Sponsors” gift $250 and receive the same as “Teacher’s Friends” with the addition of a banner and special recognition at the event. Finally, for a $500 donation, “Premier Event Donors” will earn media recognition, a banner at the event, two sponsor tickets to the breakfast, and the company logo in the program.
Sponsors do not need to be in attendance to contribute, and the SouthShore Chamber welcomes donation drop offs during business hours. Warbritton adds, “We’re here Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for people to drop off. We can even come pick up donations from businesses or people in the community if needed.” Community members and businesses can drop off or mail donations to the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, ATTN: Leilani Warbritton, Teacher’s Breakfast to 137 Harbor Village Lane, Apollo Beach, 33572. Contact Warbritton at 645-1366 or leilani@southshorechamberofcommerce.org. Visit bit.ly/2ah5GCG.
