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A Night in Paris, showcased PfISD arts and music with over 400 Business and Community Leaders Gathered to Support Pflugerville Teachers
Pflugerville, Texas (March 8, 2025) – The Pflugerville Education Foundation (PEF) hosted its annual gala to raise funds for Pflugerville Independent School District school teachers and students. The gala, A Night in Paris, raised an impressive $222,000 in donations that will support classroom teachers and students through grants and scholarship dollars. This evening was especially poignant highlighting the legacy of the combined years of giving by many community members in attendance, including founding and charter members of the Pfoundation.
“It was a night of giving and we were reminded of the legacy that helped create and sustained the Pfoundation over the years,” said Staci Young, president of the Pflugerville Education Foundation. “We were lucky to have our founding and charter members join us for this special evening which reminded me of the dedication of our volunteers and community members to make it all happen. I want to give a huge thank you to gala chair Justin Chen and Chris Molinar for their vision, leadership, and for their hard work over many weeks to support this event.”
In addition to the silent auction, paddles up live auction, the evening highlighted seven teachers who were awarded classroom grants totalling $10,000. Winners include:
- Michelle Shields, Bohls Middle School, Enhancing Hands-on Science Learning, $2,637.90;
- Hanh Pham, Jayna McGarity and Rachael McMahan, Wieland Elementary, Growing Futures: Cultivating Learning Through a School Garden, $2,285.41;
- Roxanne Jones, Cele Middle School, 2025 Lone Star Books, $2,650.38;
- Lanie Mutala and Jessica Shanks, Carpenter Elementary, Lettuce Turnip the Beet, $2,500.
The evening featured the student jazz band from Hendrickson High School (HHS), stunning artwork by PfISD students, and live art demonstrations from AP students at HHS, and business and community leaders coming together to support Pflugerville schools and raise funds for the upcoming school year. Guests were immersed in the spirit of Paris with lively jugglers and mimes, talented wine painters, memorabilia by Diamonds in the Rough, and a live auction held by Bost Benefit Auctions.
“The dollars we raise are closing the gaps, investing in innovation and building a bright future for every single student for Pflugerville ISD,” said Linda Medina Lopez, executive director of Pflugerville Education Foundation. “The support of our community is more than a donation, it is an investment in the future of our children.”
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About Pflugerville Education Foundation
The Pflugerville Education Foundation (PEF) relies on contributions from community leaders, businesses, parents, and grants to support the students, staff and the community of Pflugerville ISD. The Pfoundation, established in 2006, is a non-profit organization that operates independently of the school district but shares the district’s vision for quality education with a commitment to excellence. Funds raised are used to help develop, implement and sustain new teaching strategies, innovative ideas, and other initiatives to enhance instruction and educational opportunities, as well as recognize exemplary students and educators. For additional information and to learn how you can be a part of the Pfoundation’s outstanding work or serve on the board visit https://thepfoundation.org/.
