Saturday, September 28, 2024, the Brownwood Education Foundation (BEF) hosted their Country Gala, an annual fundraiser to support Brownwood ISD. “This year’s BEF Country Gala was unique in that we were one of the first public events held at the brand-new Brownwood Event Center, as well as hosting an amazing George Strait Tribute Band that had two of George Strait’s players playing in the band, and a separate Gala Sponsor Event prior to general admission,” said Danielle Rosborough, BEF Executive Coordinator. “General admission was incredibly affordable at only $40 for a general admission ticket for a night full of fantastic family fun. This is a new Go-To event for Brownwood, Texas.”

The Country Gala featured a catered meal and entertainment at the Sponsor Event prior to the concert. The concert by Strait From the Stateline filled the outside venue and mall area, with food trucks, dancing, and a live auction for bids on the recently replaced Gordon Wood Stadium maroon turf lion. “The BEF has a large annual fundraiser every year; this year, we decided to redefine “gala” as a “Country Gala.” Thus, the Brownwood Education Foundation Country Gala was born,” Rosborough said. “Full of amazing food and drinks, dancing, a great band and so many things to do at our community’s newest venue, the Brownwood Event Center, it was a wonderful night of fundraising for our teachers and students.”

The BEF organization raises money for Brownwood ISD teacher grants, student scholarships, teacher awards, teacher retirement stipends, and teacher continued education. “Because of our amazing sponsors, general ticket sales, donations, and Adopt-A-Grant/Adopt-A-Scholarship opportunities, we were able to raise just over $80,000,” Rosborough said. “That’s huge for our community.”

At past fundraiser events, BEF has featured a live auction to generate additional support for the event. This year, Rosborough implemented an Adopt-A-Grant or Adopt-A-Scholarship opportunity. Attendees were provided a link to pledge to fund a teacher grant or student/teacher scholarship. “When a business or individual sponsors a table for the gala, they show support for BISD teachers and students throughout the school year,” Rosborough said. “On top of that, when they give to our ‘Adopt’ opportunities, they are naming a grant that is directly paired to a teacher or group of teachers who apply for a grant, and/or an individual student applying for a scholarship.” Teachers apply for grants toward the end of the school year and the board decides what grants they can fund over the summer. The annual fundraiser’s efforts determine how many teachers or teacher groups receive funding for their ideas. Grant requests fund innovative projects in the classrooms. These include elements such as STEM initiatives, computer programs, technological devices, craft supplies, and much more. BEF funded all the grant requests for the 2024-25 school year and looks to increase their capabilities because of this year’s Country Gala. Additionally, with the Adopt-A-Scholarship pledges, an increased amount of senior high school students will receive scholarships through BEF. “Because of our Gala Sponsors, and all who gave to the Adopt a Grant/Adopt a Scholarship opportunity, we are looking to make some massive, positive impacts this coming school year,” Rosborough said. “Perhaps, the biggest we’ve ever seen.”

The Country Gala’s presenting sponsor was Wright Asphalt. Table sponsors included Brown County Abstract, Citizens National Bank, Elliott Electric, Haynes Law Firm, Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, Texas Bank, Waldrop Construction, Weldon Wilson Electric, KOXE, Desert Paving, Bruner Auto Group, Howard Payne University, Claycomb Associates Architects, Martin Earthworks, Golfmart, Brownwood News, Longhorn Mini Storages, Strong Business Solutions LLC, Avalon Custom Homes & Pools, Wells Team (Keller Williams), TSTC, Barr, Big Country Ford, Centex Equipment Sales.

“Thank you to all who attended the Brownwood Education Foundation Country Gala,” Rosborough said. “We are looking forward to next year’s event, so go ahead and mark your calendars for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Brownwood Event Center.”

If interested in hearing more from the Brownwood Education Foundation, join the e-newsletter list: Join BEF Newsletter. For giving opportunities, please visit www.supportbisd.com/donate.