​“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

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence” (Abigail Adams). The Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) invests in the lives of Brownwood ISD teachers and students. On Wednesday, August 9th, they awarded BISD teachers with grant funds for the 2023-24 school year. BEF’s grants were made possible through generous donations from the community, as well as ongoing fundraising efforts. “The Foundation makes 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. Over $10,500 went to various teachers across the Brownwood school district. The following teachers received grants for their various projects:
 

• Kristi Owen at all campuses - $2,000.000

                    Eclipse Safety Glasses
 

• Christina Jenkins, Starla Tedford, Stephen Skelton, Craig Jackson, Edward Sena at Brownwood Middle School - $432

                    Artifact Museum
 

• Tim Thomas, Johna Elliott, Grace Randolph, Mendy Green at Brownwood Middle School - $1,520.00

                    The Curious World of Atoms
 

• Reed Ellett, Melissa Joyer, Danielle Allen, Leslie Anaya, Rebecca Faulkner at SPED All Campuses - $1,070.00

                    Sensory Integration
 

• Mitzi Cockerham at Brownwood Middle School - $891.00

                    Welder to Silversmith
 

• Martha Woods at Northwest Elementary School - $3,080.00

                    Little Engineers
 

• Christi Camp, Melody Hashberger at Brownwood Middle School - $1,125.00

                    Hands-On Equations

• Rhonda Tippit at Coggin Elementary School - $395.00

                    “CASH” in on Life’s Lessons

Teachers who received a grant submitted a proposal to the BEF in the spring of 2023 to prepare for the new school year. BEF looks to fund innovative learning opportunities for students across all BISD campuses. “When we can help teachers engage their students in creative and sometimes alternative methods, everyone benefits,” Evans said. BEF raises funds through community outreach programs, such as the upcoming Lion’s Pride annual fundraiser to be held on Saturday, October 21st. To find out more information regarding the annual fundraiser, visit SupportBISD.com. 

Article by: Sara Musgrove

By: Sara Musgrove

The Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) recently hired Danielle Rosborough as the Executive Coordinator. BEF is a vibrant and growing foundation with an active Board of Directors and Advisory Committee, funding innovative teaching within Brownwood ISD classrooms and supporting the faculty and staff of the district. They secure resources from the private sector and distribute them via grants to support innovative teaching within BISD. To help with the various elements of this process, Rosborough will synchronize efforts to streamline BEF efficiency. “From board meetings to assisting with end-of-year teacher awards and student scholarships, and fundraising events, I will be coordinating the many amazing parts of the Brownwood Education Foundation,” Rosborough said. “The level of care and investment the board has given to our teachers and staff is incredible. I'm excited to collaborate with the board members and get to work.”
 
Rosborough also currently works as the Music Director for the Brownwood Lyric Theatre. With many years of administrative assistance in her resume, along with degrees from Howard Payne University and Mercer University in Vocal Performance, Rosborough brings a fresh voice to BEF’s goals. “We're planning our fundraising events and moving forward with new ideas,” Rosborough said. “What a heartbeat in our community! It's very exciting to be part of such an amazing organization. Be looking for great opportunities to give back to our teachers and staff.”
 
To find out more about BEF’s activity and fundraising efforts, or to support with a donation, visit https://www.supportbisd.com.