The Callaway Chamber of Commerce expects a tremendous turnout at its second teacher appreciation breakfast.
The breakfast will take place at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 2 at 54 Country and is set to feature special guest speakers, prizes and much more. Tamara Tateosian, executive director of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, said they are prepared to host 500 Callaway teachers.
Tateosian explained that last year, she originally only expected about 150 teachers to show up but was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.
"We had 350 teachers in attendance in our inaugural year, and I was completely stunned by that," Tateosian said.
She said the anticipated increase in this year's turnout stems from the "tag a teacher" contest on Facebook. The contest involves having members of the community tell the chamber who they believe is the most deserving of winning a "mega prize" at the breakfast. Those nominated will have their names entered for the "mega prize"drawing.
Tateosian emphasized not only are teachers from the four school districts in the county are welcome but also teachers from Missouri School for the Deaf, Kingdom Christian Academy, St. Peter Catholic School and Holts Summit's elementary schools.
Chamber marketing and special events coordinator Justice Smith said guest speakers will include Claudia Kehoe, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe's wife; Missouri Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven; and local business coach and author Gary Wilbers. The scheduled speakers will be encouraging teachers and building excitement for the new school year.
"We decided to do this to start showing the teachers some appreciation in our community for retention purposes and to show them that the business leaders in the community support them and the job that they're doing every day," Tateosian said.
Attendees will have a chance at prizes and giveaway items. Smith and her volunteers have been putting together more than 500 "swag bags" with useful supplies for all of the teachers, plus special gift baskets.
"Some of the prizes will include one of Gary Wilbers' books as well as various bags of school supplies that have been donated to us," Smith said.
Area teachers interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by either calling the chamber's office or by emailing [email protected].