Communities In Schools of Houston’s Brighter Futures BBQ at The Pit Room raises $100,000 to support students in the Greater Houston area
More than 110 guests came out to show support at the Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston’s third annual Brighter Futures BBQ, raising $100,000. Held at The Pit Room in Memorial City, 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.
Chaired by Jen Espey, CIS Board Member, and Jen Moss, former CIS mentor, The Pit Room was the perfect spot for a Western-themed party, with hay bales, bandanas and _cowboy hats as part of the décor. With a DJ spinning tunes, a silent auction with items such as cowboy boots, Astro tickets, baskets of wine and jewelry, and libations and food, the mood was upbeat and fun, with lots of western attire, boots, turquoise jewelry and festive hats on display among the guests.
Thanks to the generosity of The Pit Room owners CIS Board member David Sambrooks, Laine Sambrooks and Michael Sambrooks, proceeds from all meals purchased at The Pit Room #1 in Montrose on Nov. 8 were donated to Communities In Schools of Houston, adding to the bottom line for funds raised.
Communities In Schools Director of Development Donna Wotkyns kicked off a brief program in which she thanked the event co-chairs (Espey and Moss), along with the Sambrooks’ family for their ongoing generosity.
Then followed the introduction of three CIS staff members with “boots on the ground” in providing critical services to CIS students. These included:
Jackson Womack, CIS Wellness Counselor at Memorial High School in Spring Branch ISD, who noted that some 3000 students have come through the doors of the CIS office, mostly for issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations and grief. Partners such as Memorial Hermann and DePelchin are invaluable in working with teens.
Mayte Yost, CIS Student Support Manager for Collins Elementary School in Alief ISD said that housing and food insecurity are major issues at her school.
Melody Hall, CIS Student Support Manager at Stratford High School, also in Spring Branch ISD, related that food insecurity was an issue, but also honed in on attendance and mental health. She explained that some students missed school or were late because they are responsible for younger siblings, unlike some of their peers.
The Pit Room prepared a huge mouth-watering spread of food served family style at each table, including chicken, ribs, brisket, turkey, mac n’ cheese, baked beans, 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 147 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.
