By Chris Comer

Schools out, but the planning continues for the new school year. The dedication our teachers show to our children is nothing short of “gold medal” status. Our schools are very supportive of the education and future of our kids. Sometimes, there are those experiences that teachers want for their students that just are not in the budget. That is where Education Grants come in.

Each year the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Education Grants Committee, led by Kim Herman and Pam Link, raise money through our business and private donors as well as our participating restaurants for the Education Grants program. One hundred percent of the money raised goes directly to our teachers.

Eating for Education is a collaboration between participating Kernersville restaurants and the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce to offer teachers from all 13 Kernersville schools grants of up to $500.

Grant applications can be found on the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce website: www.kernersvillenc.com. Teachers have the opportunity to write a grant request. The requests are read by the Education Grants committee in September. The chosen grants are awarded to the teachers through a Surprise Patrol visit by the Committee members, Board of Education members, and community business leaders.

The Education Grants program is a unique program that the entire community supports. Thanks to the business and private donors as well as the participating restaurants, over $26,000 and 64 educational grants were given out last fall for the 2016-17 school year. Projects such as vegetable gardens, sand tables, author visits, unique Art opportunities, books, and many other valuable learning opportunities were shared with Kernersville kids from elementary through high school.

Dates for Eating for Education:

Always the second Wednesday:

July 12

August 9

September 13

Participating restaurants this year:

• Angela’s Ale House
• Bistro B
• Captain Tom’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
• Domino’s
• East Coast Wings & Grill
• Fridas Mexican Kitchen and Catina
• Fitz on Main
• Giada’s Trattoria
• J. Peppers Southern Grille
• Low Price Mart & The Grill
• Mad Greek Grill
• OutWest Steakhouse & Saddle Room
• Panera Bread of Kernersville
• Sagebrush Steakhouse
• Sixty Six Pizzeria Bar & Grill
• Smitty’s Grille
• The Loop Pizza Grill
• Zaxby’s