​“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him” (Benjamin Franklin). On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) will be hosting its annual Lion’s Pride fundraiser at Brownwood’s Lyric Theatre. Funds raised are used for student scholarships, innovative and STEM grants for classrooms, and recognitions for teachers and district employees. The evening will include food, drinks, an auction, and entertainment by comedian and magician Andy Gross. Individual tickets are $100. 1883 Sponsorships are available for $1,883 (provides the recipient with four tickets, signage on stage, mentioned in the program.) This year's 1883 theme celebrates the 140th anniversary year of the Brownwood Independent School District.
 
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre, with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by The Turtle Restaurant. Participants will enjoy the autumn evening outside the Lyric with a live jazz band. Around 7:30 p.m., the entertainment begins inside the Lyric with comedian and magician Andy Gross. “Andy performs over 150 shows a year at comedy clubs, Las Vegas, cruise ships, Fortune 500 corporate events, colleges, and performing arts theaters everywhere,” his website states. “He is considered one of the best by his peers in the entertainment industry and he will leave you spellbound. Andy is a multi-talented entertainer who currently combines stand-up comedy, magic, and ventriloquism successfully together, making him one of the most sought-after corporate entertainers in the world.” A live auction will also take place, with items up for bid such as trips to Estes Park and Concan, a Shrimp Boil, local restaurant dinner packages, winery packages, and more. The Foundation will also recognize an Alumni and Retired Teacher. Wright Asphalt is the presenting sponsor for the evening.
 
“We love our teachers, we love our students,” said BEF Executive Coordinator Danielle Rosborough. “Donating to the Brownwood Education Foundation equips our educators to have engaging experiences in the classroom that, in turn, make lasting impacts in the lives of students that prepare them for their futures.” All funds raised during the Lion’s Pride Fundraiser support student and teacher scholarships, teacher retirements, teacher classroom grants for supplies and innovative learning opportunities, and employee-of-the-year awards. “This is our main fundraiser for the year,” Rosborough said. “The auction items are an exciting way to give back to BISD and get a little something in return. The evening will be an enjoyable time to connect with friends and raise money for our teachers and students at BISD. It’s going to be an amazing night. Everyone who loves BISD and wants to be involved in the advancement of its students and teachers should come celebrate with us.”
 
Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.brownwoodlyrictheatre.com. For 140 years, Brownwood ISD has educated the children of Brown County and built up a strong community. This year’s 1883 campaign celebrates the value BISD provides and how much of a lasting impact community investment makes in local teachers and students. “As a Brownwood alumna, I have been on the student side, seeing the impact these dollars make,” Rosborough said. “I am humbled to know there are so many people rooting for us, and giving generously to help us and our teachers.”
 
For more information about BEF, visit https://www.supportbisd.com.

Article by: Sara Musgrove

The Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) actively works to support and invest in the lives of Brownwood ISD’s students. BEF presents an annual event in order to raise funds, and this year’s innovative solution will be a live concert and night at the Lyric Theatre. A Beatles cover band based out of Austin, Texas, The Eggmen, will be the main attraction. There will also be heavy hors d’oeuvre and drinks from local eateries, and a live auction. The Lion’s Pride Supporting Growing Minds benefit concert will be held Saturday, March 20th from 7:00-10:00 PM at Brownwood’s Lyric Theatre.
 
Austin KVUE News anchor Ron Olivera says of the The Eggmen, “Their music wows. It pleases. It touches your soul. It makes you feel good. The Austin Music Awards have honored The Eggmen with the ‘The Best Cover Band’ award for 11 years.”
 
The quintessential Beatles tribute band will highlight the food and auction items which have been donated by local sponsors and businesses, such as Wright Asphalt, Texas Bank, and Landmark Life. Auction items include a week at Crystal Beach (TX), a week-long stay at a house in Estes Park by the Roosevelt National Forest, a four-night stay at a Frio River house that sleeps up to twelve people, a Downtown Brownwood package including gift cards from local businesses, a night at the Clark Homestead with shrimp boil or barbecue, and more.
 
All funds raised will go toward supporting Brownwood ISD students and further enriching their educational experience. “The Foundation has the ability to help make positive impacts in the lives of our students and teachers that are measurable and life-changing,” said Eric Evans, the Brownwood Education Foundation Board Vice President. “Funds will be used in Educational Grants in specific classrooms working with students. A portion of the funds also go to Excellence in Teaching awards at the end of the school year. We make the most impact out of the funds received.” From alternative seating, new supplies, innovative learning kits, and STEM initiatives, Brownwood’s teachers can use the Education Foundation’s funding to create rigorous and superior learning environments. Many teachers and classrooms throughout Brownwood ISD have already been influenced for better from past years.
 
For more information and ticket availability, visit https://www.brownwoodlyrictheatre.com.