EDUCATION

FIRST ANNUAL

Aiming to encourage folks to stretch their investment in educational success, the Liberty Hill ISD Education Foundation (LHEF) hosted its first annual fundraising gala March 31 at HighPointe Estate.

The Foundation

LHEF was created to support educational programs for the students and personnel of the Liberty Hill Independent School District, including programs and activities that are under-funded or not funded in the normal operating budget. Dollars raised will be used to boost student achievement and skill development, to recognize and encourage staff excellence, and to expand community involvement from individuals, businesses, and civic organizations.

Michelle Hawley, vice president of marketing and events for the foundation, says, "From inception, we knew we wanted to create an event that would not only support donors eager to make a difference, but also truly impact the lives of our teachers, staff, students, and community as a whole. [Superintendent] Snell also advocated for the event as a means to help support teachers financially, support growth and creativity in their work, and provide additional instruction tools to enhance the student experience. Outside the operational budgets for the district, teachers put about 70 percent of the funds they receive back to the classroom."

Title Sponsor Ed Horne speaks about his long history in Liberty Hill & he and Elizabeth's dedication to supporting education. Santa Rita signed on this year, to be the Title Sponsor indefinitely for LHEF annual gala event.

Staff and business owners come together; Blake & Kimberly Whittlesey of Whittlesey Landscaping LHISD staff member Donna Cox & Husband Tim Cox.

Michelle Hawley honors 2022 gala sponsors.

AN EVENING OF PHILANTHROPY

Growth in Liberty Hill

Since December 2019, the foundation has built a solid support system, despite the challenges of the pandemic school years. The overall growth of Liberty Hill has brought many new and relocated businesses eager to fund public education through LHEF. Michelle says, "It has been incredible to see the overwhelming support from our community, as well as sponsors who care deeply about education and making a true difference. We are thankful for all of our donors and sponsors who came out for our big night."

Together, local and prominent corporate sponsors, community donors, and foundation members raised more than $200,000 and all proceeds will directly fund LHEF's mission to enhance teaching, inspire learning, and maximize innovative opportunities through teacher grants and student scholarships.

Superintendent Steve Snell

LHEF Board of Directors

From the ground up, LHEF was built on an array of diverse talents and strengths. The board team, pictured below, are dedicated community members who care about preserving a quality education experience in Liberty Hill ISD. Together, they worked to create a special evening for around 300 guests who were eager to contribute to Liberty Hill ISD’s educational success.

"Events have a lot of moving parts," Michelle says. "But our team was in motion and ready to rise to the occasion, literally. As this was our first big fundraising event, and being new to the non-profit industry, it came with a lot of curveballs, new process development, and a few unknowns. But we were ready for it and, through it all, teamwork."

Diamond Sponsor Pohl Jensen Real Estate Group & Guests: Phil Duprey, Bill Pohl, Crystal Melody, Jennifer Jensen, Tucker Jensen, and Natalie Horlock. Other Gala Guests Pictured: Greg Butler, Chrissy Ferguson, Michael Ferguson- LHISD School Board Member, Emily Butler, Woody Sitz

L-R Diamond Sponsor Kyle Richardson & Wife Jessica Richardson of LendFriend HomeLoans & guests: Greg Butler, LHEF board member Jori Sitz, Woody Sitz, Erica & Mark McDonald. Mike & Amy Gandy, AGandy & Co. Real Estate/ community members; Emily Butler

LHEF Board Members • Chris Staton, Mariella Norman, Kathy Major, John Newberg (President), Jennifer Cooper, Brad Morgan, Mary Lyn Jones, Renee O'Dell, Jori Sitz, Garrett Black, Michelle Hawley, Mike Bowles, Ashley Kubiszyn, Miranda Walker, Rachel Madison (Not pictured: Kristy Kercheville (Executive Director), Amelia Leggett, Kristen Childers)