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 “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 Brownwood Education Foundation’s Fourth Annual Gala, Denim and Diamonds, Coming in October9/19/2019
Article by: Sara Musgrove
“The idea just got up and came into the room one day,” said Larry Mathis, Brownwood Education Foundation Development Officer. “Denim and Diamonds,” the theme of the 2019 BEF Gala, will stroll its way into the historical Brownwood Regional Airport on Saturday, October 19th, at 6:00 p.m. “Expect good food,” Mathis said. “Expect a good band, and dancing, if you like to do that sort of thing. We have wonderful items to bid on in the silent and live auction. Expect lots of excitement. Expect to see a lot of friends and neighbors there. Expect to meet up with people you haven’t seen in some time. It’s kind of an electric evening. It’s a lot of fun.” The Brownwood Education Foundation has spent months preparing for their annual gala, their primary fundraiser for Brownwood ISD. In past years, the gala helped pay for S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) grants, teacher appreciation, and additional classroom grants. BEF President Sam Stewardson said, “We give to the teachers. We get a lot of requests for things outside of the district’s budget; we step in and supplement that.” Last year the Foundation gave over $44,000 in S.T.E.M. grants. Teachers use those grants for their students, bringing tomorrow’s skills into today’s classroom. BEF also provided over $10,000 for teacher gifts and awards. “We love our teachers and staff and want to express our appreciation for their dedication and service to our district and students,” Mathis said. “The community has turned out to support this event in a big, big way, which is thrilling to us. They don’t get to see all that we do, but they see that these kids get scholarships and that the teachers get grants. It’s so exciting to see the community backing the Gala.” Tickets are now available online and can be purchased at www.supportbisd.com. Last year over 400 seats were filled, and BEF expects seats to fill quickly. Single tickets cost $100. Tables can be purchased for $1,000. Registration opens at 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. Renowned Perini Ranch, from Buffalo Gap, TX will be providing a brisket dinner cooked on the grounds, while an open bar provides refreshments. A variety of live music performed by Buzz and the Blue Cats will entertain guests throughout the event. “This year our wine was donated by Rancho Loma Vineyards,” Mathis said. “We have some extremely gracious sponsors.” The community continues to support BISD through the gala, and both Mathis and Stewardson say they are excited to see this year’s turnout. So, for those looking for a way to support the positive role of education in Brownwood, purchase those tickets for the BEF Gala and freshen up that denim. |
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