The Witte museum came to life after dark as more than 650 guests helped raise a record-breaking amount at the North East Educational Foundation’s annual gala held on Feb. 21.
With a ‘Night at the Museum’ theme, the special event grossed more than $350,000. Proceeds will benefit innovative classroom projects that enrich the education of North East ISD students.
Cheerleaders from all seven high schools and the LEE High School band delivered a high-energy welcome as guests dropped off their cars at valet sponsored by Lifetouch. NEEF Mascot Sparky, the Reagan Rattler and the Johnson Jaguar were ready to open the doors to an exciting evening.
Once inside, the magic began with NEISD Gifted and Talented students impersonating influencers from history. Guests were stunned to see the creativity and intelligence showcased by the young students.
Another new element this year featured a Dino Dig. For $30, guests could excavate a fossil that could be redeemed for a gift card ranging from $25 to $200 to a variety of retail establishments. One lucky fossil represented a one-night stay at Hotel Emma valued at $450. The Dino Dig also served as a great example of a grant in action as the fossils were made by DATA @ Roosevelt students using a 3-D printer funded by NEEF.
Cocktail hour also featured a one-of-a-kind silent auction, a photo booth and drinks.
The event kicked-off with a warm welcome from Gala Committee Chair Sheryl Staffier.
“Tonight, is all about giving back because the children in the North East School District deserve the best,” Staffier told the crowd. “As everyone is aware, this is a critical time for the future of public education and your presence here tonight is so meaningful for the teachers and children of the North East Independent School District.”
Before introductions, future kindergartner Emerson Bush shared a touching invocation with bravery and grace.
After a loud applause for Emerson, Staffier introduced elected officials present including Mayor of San Antonio Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of Windcrest Dan Reese, State Representative Steve Allison, County Commissioner Kevin Wolff, County Commissioner Tommy Calvert and County Tax Assessor Albert Uresti.
NEISD school board and NEISD executive staff were also on hand to support the Foundation’s mission.
Next up, professional auctioneer Scotty Gibbs led the event through several live auction items.
The focus was turned back to NEEF’s mission with the Fund a Need portion of the evening. After watching videos of NEEF grants in action that featured Northern Hills Special Education Sensory Room, the Eisenhower Middle School Flight Simulator, the Dellview Elementary Guitar Club and the Woodstone Book Vending machine, guests generously donated to fund innovative needs for NEISD students.
Executive Director Amy Lane surprised NEEF Chairman Randy Bristow with an award for his dedication and commitment to NEEF and NEISD.
“He has the biggest heart not just for Roosevelt where he is a proud alumnus, but for the entire district,” Lane said. “He is so giving of his time, of his talents of his expertise, I often tell him he is the smartest man I know and the most modest person I know as well.”
Bristow was stunned to receive the award and graciously accepted it. He thanked those present for supporting NEEF and for making the evening a success.
To conclude the event, Superintendent Dr. Sean Maika recognized Staffier for an amazing job as Gala Chair and thanked the guests for their generosity.
“I often speak about the triangle, that’s what it takes to educate a child, at the top is the child, the school and then the community. You’re a part of our community,” Dr. Maika said. “Thank you so much for everything that you do.”
Click here to view more photos on the NEEF Facebook page.
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Energy Testing & Balance, Inc.
Garza/Bomberger & Associates
Joeris General Contractors
Linebarger
Pfluger Architects
Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc.
Terracon
GOLD SPONSORS
3Sixty Integrated
Schulman, Lopez, Hoffer & Adelstein, LLP
SILVER SPONSORS
Baird
Ecolab
Intelligent Engineering Services, LLP
Lifetouch Photography
O’Connell Robertson
Skanska
UTSA College of Education and Human Development
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
BRONZE SPONSORS
Alamo Architects
Alpha Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Bear Oil Company
Bracewell LLP
Castle Hills Elementary PTA
Cisco Systems
DBR Engineering Consultants
F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor
Firstmark Credit Union
Frost Bank
Guido Construction
HDR Engineering, Inc.
Hilltop Securities Inc.
HTS
Hughey Family
Interstek PSI
Jefferson Bank
High School Achivements DBA Jostens
KNRG Architects
LPA, Inc.
Marksmen General Contractors
Marmon Mok/Byrne Construction
MTR Engineers/R-S-C-R
Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc.
PBK, Inc.
Persyn Engineering
Raba Kistner
River City Bonding, PLLC
Stifel
TTL, Inc.
Zachry Corporation
UNDERWRITING SPONSORS
Alamo Beer Company
Barlett Cocke General Contractors
CDS Muery
Copa
Cude Engineers
The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation
H-E-B
Lifetouch
Norton Rose Fulbright
PC Creative Services
RBFCU Retirement Program
