NEEF Gala Spotlights Students, Grants and Donors

The North East Educational Foundation (NEEF) hosted its 2023 Boots, Bling and Big Dreams Gala on March 4 at Pedrotti’s Ranch. The western-themed celebration brought together more than 600 guests and raised more than $350,000 for North East ISD students and teachers.

The Gala, chaired by Kimberly Prater, wrangled up teachers, District staff, business partners, parents and community members for a night filled with a BBQinspired menu, entertainment, and fun, all while uniting around the Foundation’s mission.

Funds were raised that evening through table sponsorships, donations, silent and live auctions, a raffle, and a Fund-A-Need appeal.

“The Boots, Bling, and Big Dreams Gala was a huge success because of our amazing sponsors” said Prater. “Their sponsorship serves as an investment in our District and in our community’s future.”

In addition to raising funds, the Gala was a great opportunity for the community to learn about our wonderful students.

“Having students represented at our Gala is extremely important to showcasing their incredible talents,” said NEEF Executive Director Katherine Sanchez-Rocha.

Guests were greeted by the Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School drum line, as well as cheerleaders from all seven NEISD high schools. This year, two gifted students from the North East School of the Arts (NESA) painted live art during the Gala that included a Pedrotti family portrait and landscape of the Pedrotti Ranch. Performances by MacArthur High School’s Grupo Folklorico Magnifico and LEE’s Mariachi Unido Ensemble delighted guests during dinner. And Johnson High School Advanced Photography students lent their talents and served as the event photographers.

Every year, the Gala highlights a new initiative in our District. This year, the NEEF Board of Directors chose the NEISD JROTC program as this year’s special FundA-Need appeal.

A few years ago, NEISD set aside 22 acres of land for the development of an JROTC training complex. The training complex, named Camp Henson, has an obstacle course already in use and is accessible to anyone in or out of our District. However, Camp Henson is missing one significant piece of equipment -- a rappel tower. Building a rappel tower at Camp Henson gives JROTC cadets a wonderful opportunity to advance their skills.

It will be the first of its kind in San Antonio not located on a military base. During the Gala, NEEF supporters raised nearly $72,000 for the rappel tower, and the NEEF Board of Directors committed an additional $28,000 to complete the project.

One new feature at this year’s Gala was the NEEF Grant Showcase. Students from STEM Academy at LEE, STEM Academy at Nimitz Middle School, Career and Technical Education Center Construction Academy, Woodstone Elementary School, and Agriscience Magnet Program (AMP) at Madison High School displayed how their NEEF grants have enhanced their academic education. Grant funds helped AMP students train guide dogs for the visually impaired. AMP students Chloe Dale and Emma Barna spoke to guests about the intense process to become a guide dog handler and the training routine for raising the dog.

Each year, the Gala raises critical funds to support NEEF’s Innovation Grant Program. These grants are focused on bringing a whole new learning dynamic to students and the classroom. NEEF grants begin with a great idea, lead to profound learning and have a lasting impact.

“This is a game-changer,” said Gordon Hartman, presenting sponsor and founder of the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. “It’s a game changer because if this did not occur, many children would not be able to achieve some of the incredible results, the outcomes that they will achieve.”

WILL YOU SUPPORT A TEACHER?

Each year, teachers can submit grant applications for their innovative projects. If a project meets the criteria, NEEF will award them with a grant to help bring their idea to life. Will you help support NEEF and help teachers bring their ideas to life?