CIS Gala Raises $750,000 to Help Over 255k Students in Houston-Area Schools
Gala Chairs: Sarita Hixon, Mary Craddock, Illa Gaunt, and Cassie Milam
Stay In School Gala helps CIS meet record demand for student support services on Houston campuses
As Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) has been called upon to help a record number of students in their times of need as the pandemic continues to take its toll, the nonprofit’s community of supporters gathered for a fabulous evening in celebration of CIS’ work for more than 43 years in Houston-area schools.
The CIS Stay In School Gala was held March 10 at The Post Oak Hotel. Community and business leaders attended the benefit, which honored the life and legacy of Julie Crosswell, CIS Board member and supporter for 24 years. In addition to serving on the CIS Board of Directors, Julie Crosswell volunteered her time and social work experience to mentor CIS students at Lamar High School and Wisdom High School (then Lee High School), helping them overcome the barriers in their lives and reach their greatest potential. Julie believed all students deserved the support and resources needed to succeed in school and recognized CIS’ impact in transforming students’ lives.
Philanthropists and Gala Chairs Mary and John Craddock, Illa and Will Gaunt, Sarita and Bob Hixon, and Cassie and John Milam were among over 600 guests in attendance to support CIS’ service in schools while honoring the late CIS of Houston Board member Julie Crosswell. The Gala Chairs along with a stellar Host Committee celebrated a fun evening and a beautiful tribute to their dear friend.
Attendees let loose on the dance floor as '80s tribute band The Spazmatics performed following the dinner and program of speakers consisting of Judy Tate, Gina Carroll, and CIS students, parents and CIS Student Support Specialists. Tate shared the exciting news of the recent $13 million donation from MacKenzie Scott to an audience full of long-time supporters and funders who are critical to CIS’ work across Houston. Speakers shared stories of how CIS 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 barriers 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 Gala raised $750,000 –our second largest Gala- to help continue their life-changing work. This 2021-22 school year, CIS has been called to serve more than 255,000 students on nearly 170 campuses in Houston Independent School District, Spring Branch ISD, Alief ISD, Aldine ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Spring ISD, and Lone Star Colleges.
Special thanks to everyone who supported this event, CIS Board members, our Gala Chairs, Host Committee, Underwriters, and donors.
