SLIDESHOW: 'Launching Lifetime Learning' Benefit Draws Big Support For Friends of Renton Schools

If popularity can be gauged by a dollar figure, Renton community proved that "School is cool" Thursday morning during the second annual benefit breakfast hosted by the Friends of Renton Schools.

Hundreds of business owners, professionals, city employees, local and state politicians, community leaders and education supporters got up early and opened their pocketbooks for the event, themed "Launching Lifetime Learning."

The early morning fundraiser drew $200,000 during its inaugural event in 2010, where Bill Gates Sr. was the keynote speaker. The money went to the Renton School District to help maintain programs that impact literacy and math achievement, and to improve graduation rates. 

This year's total is expected to be available sometime next week, and the proceeds will support programs that promote academic achievement and student engagement.

REI president and CEO Sally Jewell spoke at this year's event and emphasized the importance of outside, hands-on and unstructured play.

Visit the Friends of Renton Schools web site for more information, or to make a donation.