Although the name and location have changed, the cause has remained the same. “A Dinner to Remember”, hosted by the Brenham ISD Education Foundation, took place Thursday night. The event used to be called “The Arts and Appetizers fundraiser” has been renamed “A Dinner to Remember” and has moved from Ant Street Inn to the Firemen’s Training Center. The new expanded event is the big fundraiser for the Brenham ISD Education Foundation. The Title sponsor for “A Dinner to Remember” is BRIANNAS.
The highest single bid came in at $5250 for a trip to hunt a blackbuck at Rocking-O-Ranch and a shoulder mount from Blast and Cast Taxidermy. The highest Student made artwork came on the last bid of the night for $3100. The artwork is by Brenham High School senior Destiny Parker and is titled “Billy’s Flower Garden” It was selected as the “Highlight Piece” for this year’s event.
The event has several fund-raising elements, the live auction, a silent auction, several games of chance, and sponsorships. Although the final numbers for the fundraising event won’t be in until sometime Friday, preliminary results from the live auction show it brought in more than last year. This year’s live auction brought in over $70,600 without add-ons, compared to last year’s $41,500. Students will receive 20 percent of the proceeds from their artwork, with another 10 percent going to the participating programs and the remaining 70 percent going to the Brenham ISD Education Foundation, to be used to cover costs for the event and to fund Brenham ISD student scholarships and teacher mini-grants. Projects submitted as a campus or department project were split 50/50 with the program and the foundation. The Foundation has given out over $750,000 in mini-grants since it was created in 2004.
Mia Fletcher and Annalee Sawyer look over the silent bid items before the live auction.
Madison Syzdel shows her artwork as spotter Ray Weiss takes bids.
The totals are in for the “Dinner to Remember” fundraising event. Last week, the Brenham ISD Education Foundation hosted its inaugural sold-out fundraising event, "A Dinner to Remember," at the Brenham Fireman's Training Center. The event marked a significant expansion from the previous Arts & Appetizers event, driven by the Foundation's commitment to meeting the growing needs of student programs and generating additional funds to support educators and students within the Brenham Independent School District (BISD).
Since its inception, the Brenham ISD Education Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission to enhance educational opportunities for students and support educators. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $750,000 in teacher mini-grants and has established a new endowment scholarship for graduating seniors of Brenham High School.
The live auction showcased student projects, including a collective artwork created by the art students at Alton Elementary, which fetched $4,100 and was purchased by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Subsequently, a community member's generous match doubled the total proceeds to $8,200, highlighting the remarkable generosity of Brenham's residents.
Reflecting on the event's success, Kyle Merten, President of the Brenham ISD Education Foundation Board, remarked, "It's been incredible to witness our proud community recognizing the needs of public education here in Brenham and working together to provide support. Their generosity has been truly remarkable, and we are thrilled to announce our current fundraising total of $173,000. This achievement not only surpasses our initial goal but also underscores our community's unwavering dedication to providing support and improving our schools for our educators and students."
The Brenham ISD Education Foundation is still receiving donations and add-ons to student and campus items. For more information about how to support the Brenham ISD Education Foundation or upcoming events, please visit the Brenham ISD Website.
FULL BRENHAM ISD PRESS RELEASE:
Brenham ISD Education Foundation Shatters Fundraising Goal with Inaugural Event
Brenham, Texas - April 19, 2024 - Last week, on April 11, the Brenham ISD Education Foundation hosted its inaugural sold-out fundraising event, "A Dinner to Remember," at the Brenham Fireman's Training Center. The event marked a significant expansion from the previous Arts & Appetizers event, driven by the Foundation's commitment to meeting the growing needs of student programs and generating additional funds to support educators and students within the Brenham Independent School District (BISD).
Since its inception, the Brenham ISD Education Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission to enhance educational opportunities for students and support educators. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $750,000 in teacher mini-grants and has established a new endowment scholarship for graduating seniors of Brenham High School.
The success of "A Dinner to Remember" would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of student and teacher volunteers, who worked alongside community members to ensure the event's success. Over 60 volunteers, including various student groups such as AVID, Cheer, CTE, Art, Band, FFA, Student Council, and NHS, contributed their time and effort to make the evening memorable.
Furthermore, the overwhelming support of the community and local businesses played a pivotal role in the event's success. Eighty-seven local businesses and community members rallied behind the event as sponsors, demonstrating unwavering support for Brenham ISD. Notable sponsors included Brianna's as the Title Sponsor, Bluebell as the Premiere Event Sponsor, and Baylor Scott & White, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Brenham National Bank, and HEB as Elite Live Auction Sponsors.
In addition to the overwhelming support from sponsors, many businesses contributed in-kind donations and essential items for the event and auctions, underscoring the community's collective commitment to the success of Brenham's educational initiatives.
The evening featured a delectable rib-eye steak dinner, catered by Goebel Catering, complemented by Bluebell ice cream and beverages. Attendees enjoyed engaging activities such as men's and women's Poker Chip Games, raffle drawings, and both silent and live auctions. Notably, the live auction showcased student projects, including a collective artwork created by the art students at Alton Elementary, which fetched $4,100 and was purchased by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Subsequently, a community member's generous match doubled the total proceeds to $8,200, highlighting the remarkable generosity of Brenham's residents.
It's worth noting that sales from student works are split between the student, the organization they represent, and the Foundation. These funds will be used to award teachers mini-grants and student scholarships, furthering the Foundation's mission of supporting educational excellence in Brenham ISD.
Reflecting on the event's success, Kyle Merten, President of the Brenham ISD Education Foundation Board, remarked, "It's been incredible to witness our proud community recognizing the needs of public education here in Brenham and working together to provide support. Their generosity has been truly remarkable, and we are thrilled to announce our current fundraising total of $173,000. This achievement not only surpasses our initial goal but also underscores our community's unwavering dedication to providing support and improving our schools for our educators and students."
The proceeds from "A Dinner to Remember" will enable the Brenham ISD Education Foundation to continue its mission of supporting educators and students through grants and scholarships. As the Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence within Brenham ISD and extending its impact throughout the community.
The Brenham ISD Education Foundation is still receiving donations and add-ons to student and campus items. For more information about how to support the Brenham ISD Education Foundation or upcoming events, please visit the Brenham ISD Website.