CCEF’s first Regency Gala raises $100,000

THE CLEAR CREEK Education Foundation hosted its first Regency Gala: A Royal Affair at South Shore Harbour Resort and raised nearly $100,000 for Clear Creek ISD teachers by funding their innovative classroom grants. A crowd of 200 attended the Bridgerton-themed event.

Glancing around the ballroom, some of the first you might have seen were League City Mayor Nick Long with his wife Kari; Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Engle and her husband, Mike; retired CCISD Superintendent Ron McLeod and his wife, Scottie; CCISD Board of Trustees President Jay Cunningham and his wife Carrie; CCISD Communications Director Elaina Polsen, Barrios Technology CEO Sandy Johnson and Barrios President Kelly Page and her husband Jack.

Nearby, you might have spotted Mike Landolt and his wife, Ann Wismer; Greg Ploss and Chris Rylant, along with Lisa and former astronaut Mark Polansky and Neira and Chris Premont of Big Star Cadillac as CCEF’s Deborah Laine and Michelle Thomas stopped by to say hello before moving on to welcome Joe and Kelli Byrd, Mark and Wendy Drapela and Jason and Jenny McCorkle.

The evening’s festivities began at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 with a three-course meal, live music by the Black Cat Choir Band, dancing, a

Golden Raffle, a whiskey tasting, raffle and a live auction.

“The Foundation raises money to help our schools make innovative changes in our classroom that might not otherwise occur.” Gala Chairman Chris Rylant told the crowd. “It is my absolute pleasure to assist with community events that help fund these projects. Our gala was truly the event of the season, and we raised money that will go back directly to the teachers and classroom,” she said as Winners of our Golden Raffle were Lakeisha Jones, who won a pearl and diamond necklace and earring set; Mr. and Mrs. Kane Barnett, winner of the Carrabba's Dinner for eight; Jackie Bullard, winner of the rodeo tickets; and Ms. Steph Smoot, winner of the whiskey basket. Items that were auctioned off included rodeo tickets, an Xtreme Xperience (driving a Ferrari around a racetrack), Superintendent for the Day and a one week stay in an oceanfront condo in Hawaii.

“In my 10 years on the Board of Directors, I cannot remember a time when I've seen so many volunteers and board members come together and work so hard to provide such a beautiful event for our community. It would not have been possible without them. We could not have picked a better chairperson for this event than Christine Rylant Her vision and theme inspiration for this event was spectacular. CCEF Executive Director Deborah

Laine and CCEF Marketing Manager Michele Thomas, worked tirelessly to keep everything together and running down the track. This was an incredible event and one to remember,” 2023 CCEF Chairman Greg Ploss told the crowd.

The event was planned by a 20-person volunteer committee that included Kelli Byrd, Greg Ploss, Cyndy Butcher, Mickey Wooten, Colin Rickard, Lisa Polansky, Elizabeth Wiehle, Lisa Holbrook, Jenny McCorkle, Ashley Goodhue, Jill Reason, Heidi Riegel, Laura Mackay, Karen McCorkle, Melinda Mintz, Sarah Moutz and Gerard Guderian.

And, what a delightful event it was. Just ask Richard and Traci Dvorak, Joyce Abbey, Ellen King, Emily and Dr. John Matthews, Laura and Jaimeson McKay, Dan and Jill Reason or Paul and Kelly Williams.

Since its founding in 1992, CCEF has been a nonprofit dedicated to building public education in Clear Creek ISD through grants and programs that empower every student to achieve academic and personal success. CCEF has contributed over $5 million to CCISD for innovative programs in the classroom. More information can be found at the CCEF website www. ClearCreekEducationFoundation.org.

Bay Area Houston Magazine's own Mary Alys Cherry was one of the honorees at the 2023 L.E.A.P. for Mankind Awards sponsored by the Space Center Rotary. Congratulations to Mary Alys, Bob Mitchell, and the other winners recognized.