The Delray Chamber Education Fund (DCEF) held its annual Back-to-School Breakfast on August 25 at Aloft Hotel in Delray Beach, an event that symbolizes the organization’s belief that education is key to the economic vitality of the city. The event is also a celebration of DCEF’s mission to support and fund educational initiatives that will help Delray Beach schools become the best in South Palm Beach County.

The breakfast was attended by 200 business and community leaders along with local Delray school principals and staff from the eight schools in the city of Delray Beach: Atlantic Community High, Banyan Creek Elementary, Carver Middle, Orchard View Elementary, Pine Grove Elementary, Plumosa School of the Arts, S.D. Spady Elementary, and Village Academy.

The event highlighted the $24,000 given to the eight schools, representing $3,000 per school. DCEF raised the funds through their signature bus shelter wrap project that allows sponsors to show their support for education in Delray Beach. Additionally, the local non-profit Old School Square also donated money to support arts education in the schools.

Representatives from the South County District Office were on hand, along with City of Delray Beach officials, including Mayor Shelly Petrolia, Deputy Vice Mayor Juli Casale, and Commissioner Ryan Boylston.

Highlights of the breakfast included a special presentation honoring Delray Beach Education Coordinator Janet Meeks, who is retiring after more than 30 years of service to the City, and featured speaker Alex Price, Director of Community Engagement for Office Depot, who gave an inspiring speech about strengthening communities in a post-pandemic world.

For more information about DCEF, visit their website delrayeducation.org or keep up with them on Facebook facebook.com/DelrayEducationFund.