The goal is big – $1.5 million – but it’s what’s necessary to keep programs alive in the Renton School District that provide critical support to students.

Those programs, including a highly successful one that helps struggling readers, are at risk because about $6.1 million in budget cuts faced by the school district, including a loss of about $4.3 million in state revenue.

“These are proven programs that are evaporating,” said Bob Bridge, owner of Bob Bridge Toyota and major donors chairman for the Friends of Renton Schools fund.

The $1.5 million is the target to reach in the next several months to save those programs. Bridge is confident the goal is achievable and he is reaching out to dozens of Renton’s businesses to donate to the campaign.

The campaign by the Friends of Renton Schools fund kicked off last fall, with more than $100,000 raised so far. It operates under the umbrella of the Renton Community Foundation.

A major fundraiser is April 26 – the “Launching Lifetime Learning” 2010 benefit breakfast. Prominent lawyer Bill Gates Sr., who is familiar with the education programs in the Renton School District, is the keynote speaker.

Meeghan Black of Renton, host of “Evening Magazine” on KING TV, is the host.

Bridge points out that Gates typically doesn’t give many speeches on local school issues, but he was impressed with the accomplishments of the school district and its superintendent, Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel.

The title sponsor for the breakfast is Valley Medical Center, which has donated $25,000 to the campaign.

“It’s an incredible donation,” said Sherre Piantanida, chairwoman of the fund.

Bob Bridge Toyota has donated $25,000 to the fund, too.

The breakfast in April is one of three major fundraisers the Friends of Renton Schools is planning.

A phoneathon will target parents, with the money going directly to schools. And the Seahawks through their “Seahawks for Education” program will have a fantasy football event next year in which donors can experience a day in the life of a Seahawk.

It’s expected that the work – and fundraising – of the fund to support the Renton School District will become a tradition.

“With this breakfast the goal is ‘Yes, raise as much money as we can,’ but also to get the word out to make people more aware so we can get ongoing support,” Piantanida said.

Bridge is concentrating on the large donors in Renton’s business community. A $10,000 contribution is roughly a $30,000 value when the marketing exposure is considered, he said. A $10,000 is a Diamond Level Friend, the top of the donation tier. The campaign is aiming for 16 such donors.

Part of the exposure for a $10,000 donation is a company’s logo on a massive banner that will hang from Renton City Hall for about three months starting in late March or early April.

Bridge worked with Renton Mayor Denis Law on the banner. Law’s leadership, Bridge said, “is a big deal.”

The City of Renton also has agreed to place a plaque at the entrance to City Hall with the names of those who donated $3,000 or more.

Bridge himself will pay for 300 public service advertisements on Comcast to thank those who donate $3,000 or more.

Besides the recognition, the donors will know they’ve contributed to preserving some important academic support programs.

Programs that offer support in math, reading and in reducing the dropout rate will end this school year without additional money, Piantanida said.

“The district will need to prioritize whatever funds they raise to get the best bang for the buck,” she said.

The $1.5 million goal is “lofty,” said Piantanida.

But maybe not all that lofty, said Bridge, especially with Renton’s “very large business base.”

Other school districts have such funds or foundations. The Issaquah foundation raised $30 per student, the Bellevue figure is $86 per student and the Mercer Island figure is $286.

If the Renton campaign raises $1.1 million, that’s $80 per student, Bridge said. The district has about 14,500 students.

Bridge said he keeps hearing that education always wants more money.

“This has nothing to do with wanting more,” he said of the campaign. “This has to do with maintaining proven programs.”