![]() 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 Successful Lion’s Pride Fundraiser Strengthens BEF Investment in Brownwood Students and Teachers11/15/2023
![]() On Saturday, October 21st, the Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) hosted its annual Lion’s Pride fundraiser at the Lyric Theatre. Center Avenue in downtown Brownwood was filled with jazz music, the scent of freshly grilled lamb kabobs and veggie skewers, and an entire community focused on supporting excellence in Brownwood Independent School District (BISD) classrooms. During the event, comedy magician Andy Gross performed, and a live auction raised thousands of dollars for BISD teachers and students. “The BEF has this annual fundraiser to fund a good amount of our giving back to BISD throughout the year,” said BEF Executive Coordinator Danielle Rosborough. “Classroom grants to teachers, student scholarships, small ‘thank you’ items to reward teachers -- these are just part of what the foundation funds to give back to our district. The magician was an incredible entertainer. He was a great way for BEF to show appreciation to our attendees who gave back to our teachers and students by buying tickets, bidding on auction items, and giving extra donations even after the night was over.” BEF consists of a board of twelve local professionals who are passionate about the growth of BISD, its teachers, and students. They coordinated efforts to gather auction items like a trip to Estes Park, a Shrimp Boil, local restaurant dinner packages, and more. The Foundation recognizes an Alumni, and this year selected Dr. Jeremy Denning. Wright Asphalt was the presenting sponsor for the evening, as Texas Bank sponsored the beverages, and Texas Clean sponsored the entertainment. This year’s theme of “1883” celebrated the 140 years BISD has been in operation. “BISD does incredible things for our children, teachers, and parents of children; however, many times they are only able to go so far with fundraising or sponsorships,” Rosborough said. “BEF accepts gifts which in turn directly impact the classrooms. BEF provides opportunities for individual and collective growth with the materials purchased. Every small and large gift reaches generations into the future of BISD and the growth of our campuses. When we are able to fulfill needs due to generous gifts, we are able to build more purpose and vision in student's lives - help them see where they are going and what they will be doing in their lives.” For more information on participating in BEF activity or supporting their efforts to create excellence in BISD classrooms, visit https://www.supportbisd.com. Article by: Sara Musgrove |
Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|