AREA BUSINESSES SPONSOR 6TH ANNUAL ‘SALUTE TO THE STARS’
With the generous support of two local businesses, the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District and the Cypress-Fairbanks Educational Foundation (CFEF) is set to host the 6th annual Salute to the Stars gala October 16 at Cypress Ridge High School in honor of the district’s 58 outstanding Spotlight Teachers for 2003.
The Outback Steak House located at 13240 U.S. 290 will once again be donating the meal for the gala, marking the fifth consecutive year that the restaurant has demonstrated its generosity for this event. The restaurant will also be providing the dessert for this year’s event, making Outback’s donation worth approximately $9,000.
Outback General Manager Mike Sheehy said that the company was founded on the idea that giving back to the community was important and that education is important to the community. He added that the gala was a special occasion for so many in that it recognizes the role models and mentors of the community.
"We all know how important teachers are and that they are really never shown the amount of appreciation they truly deserve. The gala is one way that the people of Outback and the rest of the community can show our appreciation and say thanks for their devotion," Sheehy said.
In addition to Outback’s contribution, Edward Station & Associates Insurance Services will serve as underwriter for this year’s Salute to the Stars gala. This will be the second year that local businessman Station along with business associate Audrey Ayers has graciously served as underwriter for this special event. Station has also contributed many of the auction items that will be up for bidding this year.
Station said his involvement with district first began after his introduction to the district’s Partners In Education program. "The best part of being involved with the district is seeing the excitement in the faces of the students and teachers," said Station. "I look forward to continuing my relationship with the district, through programs such as the Salute to the Stars gala, and other ventures in the future."
Superintendent Rick Berry said he appreciates Sheehy, Station and their respective organizations for their continued support. He added that their generous contributions reflected a strong commitment to the children and teachers of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
"I know this event certainly means a lot to our teachers. It makes them feel good because these businesses have volunteered their time as well as their goods and services year after year," Berry said. "The gala is one of our most special events each year because it’s about honoring our teachers, and it’s truly a high-quality event because of the generosity of our business partners. We appreciate them for being so willing to help with the gala."
The Salute to the Stars gala also serves as the primary fund-raising event for the Cypress-Fairbanks Educational Foundation’s Instructional Excellence Grant program. Over the last decade, the Foundation has awarded $324,238 in grants to teachers for innovative programs that were implemented in CFISD schools.
PHOTO CAPTION: Helping to make this year’s Salute to the Stars gala special for the 58 Spotlight Teachers of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD are, from left, Audrey Ayers and Ed Station (seated, left) and Audrey Ayers of Ed Station & Associates Insurance along with Outback Steakhouse General Manager Mike Sheehy.
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