Pearland ISD Progress Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 21

Foundation Gala Raises Funds with Royal-themed Extravaganza With a throng of dazzling tiaras and kingly crowns, set to the majestic backdrop of a candlelit ballroom, Pearland ISD Education Foundation’s annual Evening for Education Gala, dubbed a “Royal Affair,” was a regal extravaganza. During the royal-themed event, March 3 at The Citadel in Houston, over 320 guests arrived in their best regalia, mingled among the elite and were called upon to support” an educational legacy for our heirs.” The annual fundraiser featured dinner, live music, auction and dancing. Gala sponsors included Dr. Brett M. Cordes with The Center for ENT, David L. Smith Realty/The Legacy Group, Stanfield Propertie s, Stantec Architecture and The Stay Focused Team (Bay Area Tutoring, Bright Futures, LLC and PSY Clinic). Magnolia Elementary teachers and guests enjoyed a majestic evening of regal celebration. Through the gala event and annual giving campaign, the foundation raised over $148,000. Established in 2014, the foundation supports innovative educational programs and activities that either have not been funded or have been under-funded by the school district’s normal operating budget. This year, the organization will award Pearland ISD educators up to $115,000 in Innovative Teaching Grants. Bayway Chevrolet, a 2018 King and Queen donor, will serve as the foundation’s inaugural Adopt-a-Grant sponsor and will award the selected recipient during the annual Surprize Patrol the week of May 21. For more information about the foundation, please visit http://www.pearlandisd.org/foundation or contact Natalie Clogston, Chief Foundation Officer, at [phone] or [email protected]. Mixing fundraising with fun at the foundation event were Pearland Mayor Reid, Dr. Jason Decker of Pearland Pediatrics and Sports Medicine, Pearland ISD Board President Rebecca Decker, and Pearland City Councilmember Tony Carbone. Noble guests at the March 3 event included Pearland ISD Sr. Asst. Superintendent Sonia Serrano, Sablatura MS Principal Verna Tipton, and GTA Specialist Stacy Mueller. www.pearlandisd.org | 21