WHAT: More than 100 guests braved the stormy weather the evening of Saturday, Nov. 2 to attend Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston’s Brighter Futures BBQ, raising over $75,000. Held at The Pit Room in Montrose, the Brighter Futures BBQ brought together a diverse crowd of party-goers to support CIS students in the Greater Houston area. CIS of Houston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk students to stay in school and achieve in life.
Thanks to the generosity of The Pit Room owners Michael Sambrooks and David Sambrooks, also a CIS board member, proceeds from all meals purchased at The Pit Room on Nov. 2 were donated to Communities In Schools of Houston, adding to the bottom line for funds raised.
With a DJ spinning tunes, a silent auction with items such as Astros tickets and a pair of Fraulein Boots, and libations and food, the mood was upbeat and fun, with lots of western attire, boots and hats on display among the guests.
The Pit Room prepared a delicious, huge spread of food served family style at each table, including chicken, ribs, brisket, mac n’ cheese, potato salad, spicy green beans and the fixings of onions, pickles and white bread. Guests were happy to go for seconds.
Funds raised from the CIS Brighter Futures BBQ will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 135 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Specialist on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
WHERE: The Pit Room
1201 Richmond Ave.
Houston, TX 77006
GUESTS:
Board of Directors – in attendance
David Sambrooks
Pat Rosenberg
Brian Salazar
Elizabeth Young
Jill Ramshaw
Jen Espey
Bill Hurt
Allison Gower
Jan Redford
Krystol Wheeler
Staff
Lisa Descant, Chief Executive Officer
Matt Garcia-Prats, Chief Operating Officer
Donna Wotkyns, Director of Development
Shubhra Endley, Director of Mental Health and Wellness
Michele McClinton, Director of Human Resources
Cicely Dove, Director of Program Operations
Kathryn Medina, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Aline Nahhas, Director of Quality & Standards
Tej Singh, Director of Professional Development
Claire Petree, Special Events Lead
Sarah Conlon, Institutional Giving Officer
Lanis McWilliams, Grants Compliance Officer
Cory Canon, Institutional Grants Manager
Amy Bragman, Administrative Officer to the CEO
Derrick Bryant, Student Support Manager
Melody Hall, Student Support Manager
Porter Renfro, Student Support Manager
Additional Guests
Jen and Brian Moss
Lisa and David Sambrooks
Gail and David Nunez
Fatima and Tim Parker
Jeanette Bowen
Leah and David Brown
Abby and Jake Thalachelloor
Allison Gower and Jeremy Konko
Sheri and Larry Knox
Alana Smith and Jonathan Carroll
Asha and Mike Garza
Donna and Donnie Mecleod
Jan and David Redford
Amanda and Dave Holberry
Monique and Danny Castro
Loane and Mark Lennon
Link to photos here
Credit: Henrich Perez