Monday, September 16, 2024
SPRINGTOWN — The Springtown Education Foundation cashed out this year’s casino-themed gala with over $80,000 and is all-in on supporting local teachers and students.
The July 26 event brought Las Vegas to Springtown. Guests were invited to play blackjack, roulette and craps, provided by Texas Casino Parties, and were treated to live entertainment from Josh Weathers and his band. They also participated in a silent and live auction, played the Heads and Tails game, ate dinner and danced the night away at the Covered Bridge Venue in Springtown.
“It was an incredible evening,” Springtown Education Foundation President Vicky Trichel said. “I am always amazed by the generosity and the support of the Springtown community. The concert by Josh Weathers certainly added to the excitement of the event.”
Springtown Education Foundation Gala Chairperson Mistie Rivera agreed that this year’s event was successful and enjoyable. She wanted to “raise a substantial amount of funds for SEF and to show our sponsors and community what it's like to join forces to do great things for our district,” and she said those goals were accomplished through this year’s gala.
“Our community showed up big time for our organization, and it showed,” Rivera said. “We will continue to grow and work on new ideas for making the gala a success for years to come.”
The education foundation was founded in 1992 and supports local education by providing student scholarships to seniors, grants to innovative teachers and funds to new educators to help them prepare for the school year. To accomplish this, the foundation raises money through an annual golf tournament and spirit T-shirt sales. The gala, which started last year, is its biggest fundraiser.
“We would not have this type of success without all the local participation,” Trichel said. “We had over 60 businesses, organizations and community members donate to the gala. Our top sponsors were: R&C Custom Homes LLC, top donor; RWN Contractors; KL Concrete & Construction; Winstead Paint & Body; Edward Jones.”
Organizing the gala took about a year’s worth of planning and effort, particularly in contacting local vendors, businesses and people to get the support needed, Rivera said.
“The saying ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ is true in so many aspects,” she said. “This is no one-man show. We as a board are all in this together and make it happen.”
Allocation of the gala proceeds will be decided on by the SEF board of directors, Trichel said. For her part, the president would like to see the additional funds used “to show our students and teachers how important education is to Springtown’s future.”
“I joined SEF because I realize the importance of a strong education,” Trichel said. “By offering students scholarships for continuing their education, whether it be a four-year university, a junior college or a vocational school, we are essentially making an investment in the future of Springtown. I think this organization, more than any other, realized the dedication of our SISD teachers and staff members. With the many changes occurring in government policies that will affect our local public schools, I think it is important to support and acknowledge the efforts of our staff.”
During the live auction at the gala, businesses vied to sponsor next year’s event. KL Concrete & Construction came out on top and pledged $25,000 to present the 2025 gala as the top sponsor. Additionally, Modern Woodmen took the secondary sponsor spot for $10,000. Trichel said the foundation can start planning next year’s event now that its top two sponsors have been chosen.
Likewise, Rivera said the foundation’s board is already thinking about the theme for next year’s event.
“The gala is just a way to be able to bring something fun and exciting to Springtown and raise the most funds possible for SEF,” she said. “What's really important to me is being able to give back, to help fund scholarships and teacher grants through SEF. With this event we also get to showcase the amazing support from our local businesses, that also care about our cause. It's really a win-win for everyone involved.”
