CIS of Houston ‘80s Gala

As Communities In Schools of Houston heads into a new decade helping a record number of students in their times of need, the nonprofit’s community of supporters gathered for one rad night in celebration of CIS’ work for more than 40 years in Houston-area schools. 

The 1980s-themed Communities In Schools of Houston Gala was held March 5 at The Post Oak Hotel. Community and business leaders attended the benefit, which honored Dick Rogers and the John S. Dunn Foundation in recognition of their generosity and efforts to help establish the CIS of Houston Mental Health Initiative.  Rogers has been a trailblazer in the Houston community for mental health advocacy and awareness and, as a trustee of the John S. Dunn Foundation, he helped launch the CIS Mental Health Initiative in 2012. The John S. Dunn Foundation is a great friend to CIS. The private foundation is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations, focusing—in part—on mental health programs. 

Attendees got footloose as '80s tribute band The Spazmatics performed favorite sing-along hits, and they enjoyed dinner, a wine pull, and grab bags with glamorous prizes. Plus, travel lovers bid on trips of a lifetime to Italy, Ireland, France, Greece, Spain, Alaska, New York and Napa Valley in a silent auction.

The night also spotlighted CIS students, alumni and school district partners, who shared stories of how the organization has supported them. From crisis intervention, trauma and mental health counseling to providing basic necessities and doing whatever it takes to set students up for success in college and future careers, CIS Student Support Specialists are embedded on campuses to break down any barrier to student well-being and help educators create school cultures where students know it’s OK to reach out for help.  

With the support of generous donors, the CIS of Houston ‘80s Gala raised $550,000 to help us continue our life-changing work. This 2019-20 school year, CIS has been called to serve more than 125,000 students on nearly 170 campuses at Houston Independent School District, Spring Branch ISD, Alief ISD, Aldine ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Lone Star Colleges.

Special thanks to everyone who supported this event in any way, and to our mother-daughter gala chairs, honorees, underwriters and donors, and to David Sambrooks for his six years as president of the CIS of Houston Board of Directors.