Communities In Schools of Houston 2025 Gala 'Soaring to New Heights' Raises Over $628,000 for Students
CIS Gala Chairs Will and Caroline Brown, Honoree Jan Redford PhD and David Redford, CIS Gala Chairs Virginia and Cramer Williams
Communities In Schools of Houston’s Soaring to New Heights Gala Raises $603,000 to Support Local Students
HOUSTON, TX — Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston hosted its Soaring to New Heights gala on April 9 at The Post Oak Hotel, raising $603,000 to support at-risk students across the Greater Houston area. The event was chaired by Caroline & Will Brown and Virginia & Cramer Williams and honored longtime board member Jan Redford, Ph.D., for her 46 years of dedication to CIS.
More than 550 guests gathered for the evening, beginning with a lively cocktail reception. Guests then moved into the ballroom whimsically decorated with colorful hot air balloons, for a heartfelt program emceed by Lisa Malosky. She welcomed special guest former First Lady of Texas Linda Gale White, a staunch CIS supporter, and acknowledged key underwriters and supporters.
The program highlighted CIS’s work across 135 campuses, where full-time Student Support Managers provide students with essential services—from mental health counseling to academic and basic needs support. CEO Lisa Descant emphasized that CIS is the largest provider of mental health services to students in Harris County, reaching over 143,000 students annually.
Underwriters recognized included CenterPoint, Judy and Charles Tate, Beth and Bob Gower, Terri Lacy and Jim Baird, Diana and Russell Hawkins, Virginia and Cramer Williams, Caroline and Will Brown and H-E-B.
Joseph Patty of Chapelwood United Methodist Church offered the blessing, leading into the introduction of gala honoree Jan Redford. Jan’s close friend Sue White provided a glimpse into the distinguished life and career of Jan, who, age 50, decided to attend the University of Houston to pursue her Ph.D. in psychology, with a focus on social work. She enjoyed a long tenure on the faculty with the University of Houston system.
Lisa Descant also lauded Jan, who has been with CIS since the beginning, as an employee, volunteer and board member. Through her work as a psychologist, along with her leadership and counsel to CIS and other nonprofits, Jan has truly been a trailblazer. In the late ‘70s, she convinced the Junior League of Houston to provide seed money to get CIS off the ground and later provided a loan to CIS. This is how passionate she is about the CIS mission.
Jan spoke about her early work with CIS, noting that “miracles began to happen,” saying it was all about building one-on-one relationships. The goal was to keep these students in school, no matter what. “These were the most exhilarating years of my life,” she said. Quoting pastor Jim Jackson about the values that surpass fame and fortune, she said “creativity, love and generosity” were key. She received a standing ovation.
Maloskey then introduced CIS board member Gina Carroll, Director of the Lazarus Energy Empowerment Program (LEEP) and TED Talk presenter, who spoke on the importance of school attendance and CIS’s national campaign, Being Present Matters, highlighting the tangible impact of CIS presence on graduation and promotion rates.
Voices of CIS featured testimonials from students and staff whose lives have been transformed by CIS:
Mandy Kolbaba, Student Support Manager, emphasized the value of the CIS Mental Health Initiative.
Madison Wimmer, Student Support Manager at Alexander Elementary in Alief ISD talked about mental health and basic needs support at the elementary level and introduced Jonathan, a student thriving both academically and emotionally through CIS support.
Alma Nava, Student Support Manager with Bastian Elementary School in HISD, highlighted academic and social growth among her students, with a special note from principal Alana Holloway on CIS’s lasting impact. The importance of CIS community partners in providing key services, such as food, mentoring and mental health support, was emphasized.
Melody Hall, Wellness Specialist at Stratford High School in Spring Branch ISD, shared the journey of Marisabel, a once-homeless student now college-bound to study psychology. Marisabel spoke about her CIS experience of attending the Job Readiness Seminar and participating in externships that exposed her to the mental health space.
Julia Barnwell-Joseph, Program Manager from the Lone Star College System, introduced Joshua Barlow, who overcame personal challenges to excel academically and graduate with honors. He will attend UH and pursue public policy, not ruling out politics as a career! As Joseph said, “Without CIS, I don’t know where I’d be. But because of CIS . . . I know exactly where I’m going.
Event co-chairs Caroline Brown and Virginia Cramer closed the evening with a heartfelt appeal, reminding guests that a $500 donation can support a student for an entire year. Guests then enjoyed dinner of salad, beef short rib atop mashed potatoes and root vegetables, followed by a chocolate raspberry tart and danced the night away to Houston’s own Klockwork band.
Funds raised will support CIS’s mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Photos by Dave Rossman