![]() BROWNWOOD, Texas – Saturday, September 28, 2024, the Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) hosted their Country Gala, an annual fundraiser to support Brownwood ISD. “This year's BEF Country Gala was unique in that we were one of the first public events held at the brand-new Brownwood Event Center, as well as hosting an amazing George Strait Tribute Band that had two of George Strait's players playing in the band, and a separate Gala Sponsor Event prior to general admission,” said Danielle Rosborough, BEF Executive Coordinator. “General admission was incredibly affordable at only $40 for a general admission ticket for a night full of fantastic family fun. This is a new Go-To event for Brownwood, Texas.” The Country Gala featured a catered meal and entertainment at the Sponsor Event prior to the concert. The concert by Strait From the Stateline filled the outside venue and mall area, with food trucks, dancing, and a live auction for bids on the recently replaced Gordon Wood Stadium maroon turf lion. “The BEF has a large annual fundraiser every year; this year, we decided to redefine "gala" as a "Country Gala." Thus, the Brownwood Education Foundation Country Gala was born,” Rosborough said. “Full of amazing food and drinks, dancing, a great band and so many things to do at our community’s newest venue, the Brownwood Event Center, it was a wonderful night of fundraising for our teachers and students.” The BEF organization raises money for Brownwood ISD teacher grants, student scholarships, teacher awards, teacher retirement stipends, and teacher continued education. “Because of our amazing sponsors, general ticket sales, donations, and Adopt-A-Grant/Adopt-A-Scholarship opportunities, we were able to raise just over $80,000,” Rosborough said. “That's huge for our community.” At past fundraiser events, BEF has featured a live auction to generate additional support for the event. This year, Rosborough implemented an Adopt-A-Grant or Adopt-A-Scholarship opportunity. Attendees were provided a link to pledge to fund a teacher grant or student/teacher scholarship. “When a business or individual sponsors a table for the gala, they show support for BISD teachers and students throughout the school year,” Rosborough said. “On top of that, when they give to our ‘Adopt’ opportunities, they are naming a grant that is directly paired to a teacher or group of teachers who apply for a grant, and/or an individual student applying for a scholarship.” Teachers apply for grants toward the end of the school year and the board decides what grants they can fund over the summer. The annual fundraiser’s efforts determine how many teachers or teacher groups receive funding for their ideas. Grant requests fund innovative projects in the classrooms. These include elements such as STEM initiatives, computer programs, technological devices, craft supplies, and much more. BEF funded all the grant requests for the 2024-25 school year and looks to increase their capabilities because of this year’s Country Gala. Additionally, with the Adopt-A-Scholarship pledges, an increased amount of senior high school students will receive scholarships through BEF. “Because of our Gala Sponsors, and all who gave to the Adopt a Grant/Adopt a Scholarship opportunity, we are looking to make some massive, positive impacts this coming school year,” Rosborough said. “Perhaps, the biggest we've ever seen.” The Country Gala’s presenting sponsor was Wright Asphalt. Table sponsors included Brown County Abstract, Citizens National Bank, Elliott Electric, Haynes Law Firm, Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, Texas Bank, Waldrop Construction, Weldon Wilson Electric, KOXE, Desert Paving, Bruner Auto Group, Howard Payne University, Claycomb Associates Architects, Martin Earthworks, Golfmart, Brownwood News, Longhorn Mini Storages, Strong Business Solutions LLC, Avalon Custom Homes & Pools, Wells Team (Keller Williams), TSTC, Barr, Big Country Ford, Centex Equipment Sales. “Thank you to all who attended the Brownwood Education Foundation Country Gala,” Rosborough said. “We are looking forward to next year's event, so go ahead and mark your calendars for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Brownwood Event Center.” If interested in hearing more from the Brownwood Education Foundation, join the e-newsletter list: Join BEF Newsletter. For giving opportunities, please visit www.supportbisd.com/donate. Article by: Sara Musgrove Brownwood Education Foundation Country Gala Features Band Members from George Strait Tours9/12/2024
The George Strait tribute band, Strait From the Stateline, will be lighting up the stage at the Brownwood Event Center on Saturday, September 28th as the main entertainment of the Brownwood Education Foundation Country Gala. Two of the band members, John Michael Whitby and Benny McArthur, have played with George Strait’s band, Ace in the Hole, for many years. “Strait From the Stateline came together out of Austin, Texas,” said booking manager, lead singer, and acoustic guitar player Jody Dominguez. “Everywhere we played, people came up and told us that we reminded them of George and his music, and that is the ultimate compliment for us. Our band is not an impersonation of him though; it is a tribute show.” McArthur has played guitar and fiddle with Ace in the Hole for about forty years; Whitby has played keyboard with Ace in the Hole for about seventeen years. “Our fiddle player, Haydn Vitera, has played with Whitby and McArthur for a number of years,” Dominquez said. “He asked if they would sit in with The Stateline Band on a few shows and that’s where the idea came from.”
Strait From the Stateline members include Jody Dominguez (Lead Singer, Acoustic Guitar), Stan Scantling (Steel Guitar), Scott Zajicek (Bass Guitar, Vocals), Dustin Garret (Lead Guitar), Haydn Vitera (Fiddle, Guitar, Vocals), Kris Gordon (Drums, Vocals), John Michael Whitby (Keyboard), and Benny McArthur (Guitar/Acoustic Guitar/Fiddle). The band members hail from all parts of Texas, from Lubbock, to Fort Worth, to Bangs. The Stateline merges honky-tonk with a rock'n'roll edge to create their self-proclaimed genre, Texas Dancehall Country. “The band's impact on the Texas country scene cannot be overstated,” their website states. “Their seamless fusion of genres has resulted in four Top 10 Hits on Texas country radio, a testament to their unparalleled musical prowess and widespread appeal. Their dedication to producing meaningful lyrics and irresistible melodies has cemented their place among the genre's elite. The Stateline Band isn't just a group; they're a testament to the heart and soul of Texas. Their passion for preserving and evolving the tradition of country music is palpable in every note. It's a sound that's unmistakably Texan yet universally appealing.” While the band performs George Strait hits, they bring a fresh sound with them. “We cut a song that McArthur wrote with Cody Widner called ‘Dancehall Devil’ and it was a lot of fun to have McArthur come in and sing and play guitar on that record; it was a ‘Top 10’ radio single a few years ago,” Dominguez said. “But just getting to play music with all these guys is such a great time. [McArthur and Whitby] play for the King of Country Music, so every show is unique.” The Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) Country Gala tickets are available now at supportbisd.com/countrygala. General Admission tickets cost $40, which covers entertainment and dancing at the Event Center. There will be dinner, dessert, and beverage trucks available. “Every year the BEF gives thousands of dollars to teacher grants, student scholarships, teacher awards, among so many other things,” said Danielle Rosborough, BEF Executive Coordinator. “Gala can mean whatever we want it to mean—fancy or ‘Country;’ it's about coming together for a special occasion! This will be a huge event for Brownwood.” Article by: Sara Musgrove ![]() “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 |
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