2023 Boots & Black Belt Gala benefiting Kickstart Kids

Get your Western attire ready and join us for one of our most exciting events of the year! This year, the

30th annual Boots & Black Belt Gala will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at The

Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston in Houston, Texas. Celebrate the impact that Kickstart Kids has made on thousands of youth when they needed it most. You do not want to miss this exciting and momentous event. More information is coming soon! For more details please contact Joan Neuhaus at 713.868.6003, ext. 105, or email jneuhaus@kickstartkids.org.

Martial arts world champion, actor, and philanthropist Chuck Norris founded Kickstart Kids in 1990 with the help of President George H. W. Bush. The program was launched in four schools in 1992. This year, approximately 8,000 students are enrolled in 60 schools across the state of Texas. Since its inception, more than 110,000 students have benefitted from this one-ofa-kind, life-changing program. Our goal is to work in partnership with educators, parents, law enforcement, and other leaders to help build strong, positive communities by teaching character through karate. We use karate and our values curriculum in classes daily to teach the values of honesty, loyalty, courage, discipline, respect, dedication, kindness, and responsibility. Our black belt instructors serve as role models to our students. Research shows that through the discipline of the martial arts, students in the Kickstart Kids program develop the ability to believe in themselves, create goals for the future, and become positive role models for others.

To learn more, please visit kickstartkids.org.

Golfers Break Records for Spring Branch ISD Students and Teachers

Hundreds of golfers enjoyed a day of beautiful weather and successful play at the Wildcat Golf Club on November 7, 2022 while supporting Spring Branch Education Foundation and the students and teachers of Spring Branch ISD.

This year’s golfers can celebrate their successes both on and off the course. The SBEF Golf Classic raised more than $200,000 for funds to be used for grants for innovative teacher and district initiatives within SBISD. Golfers also raised $7,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors in the Class of 2023.

Co-Chairs Linda and Tom DeBesse were honored by the spirit of community shown again this year at the tournament. SBEF Golf Classic Chair Linda DeBesse said, “We were thrilled to share an amazing day of golf and fundraising so many individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to the success of the students and teachers in SBISD. We are humbled by the record-setting results. It’s a testament to the commitment of our community to Spring Branch Education Foundation and the SBISD grants and scholarships funded by this event every year.”

For more information about Spring Branch Education Foundation’s future events and support of Spring Branch ISD, please contact the SBEF office at (713) 251-2381 or visit sbef.springbranchisd.com.

Photo: (l. to r.) Sally Gardner, Cindy Diamantaras, Blair Echols & Gina Eckerman

ABOUT SPRING BRANCH EDUCATION FOUNDATION:

Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It collaborates with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. All Foundation dollars, donor designated or unrestricted, are only used to support programs that align with the Foundation’s mission by funding teacher grants, district grants and scholarships for SBISD students. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $16 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.