Boots and Boas is the name while generosity and philanthropy is the purpose of the gala that kicks off at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Goliad County Memorial Auditorium.
The Goliad Education Foundation has been holding this benefit for 16 years.
The Matthew Gritz Band will provide the music. Mike Pozzi is dishing up the meal of beef medallion steaks and pecan crusted chicken. Another alumni of the school district, Mercy McDaniels, is providing the cupcake desserts.
Two highlights, and key to the fundraising, are the silent and live auctions.
This year’s live auction includes a Turquoise and Company jewelry set consisting of a cuff, necklace and earrings adorned with the company’s trademark gemstone. Also up for auction is a guided fishing trip with the destination to be determined.
Of course, this isn’t to overshadow arguably one of the largest auction items - a trip to Manzanillo, Mexico, which includes seven days and six nights in a house overlooking the ocean.
Money raised will go back to the students and teachers, said foundation Executive Director Tanya Jacob.
“All of the money we make funds grants for staff and teachers at all three campuses,” Jacob said. “Last year we gave over $60,000 in grants.
“The grants are designed to help teachers and staff get things that are not going to be covered under their budget.”
Pulling off such a gala requires support from Goliad and beyond. In the autumn, the foundation begins contacting local vendors from Goliad and surrounding counties to bring in potential silent and live auction items.
The students are doing their part as well.
The centerpieces are being made by the floral students at Goliad High and the schools are creating action items for the event.
Tickets, at $60 each, are still available from Jacob and at the Goliad Chamber of Commerce, Ag-Med and Goliad National Bank. Bronze level tables are also available.
Jacob said that they hope to raise even more money as these grants make it possible for teachers to provide unique experiences for the students.
One such trip is occurring later this month with fourth-grades students making a trip to NASA in Houston.
Grants have also funded a variety of equipment throughout the district including a plasma cutter at the high school.
“We encourage innovation,” Jacob said of the grants. “This is about helping the teachers provide for the students.”
Last year, the grant funded a multitude of projects including field trips and equipment and even significant help to programs such as the floral class at the high school.
For information on tickets or to purchase a table at the event, call Jacob at 361-645-3360.
Photo by Ashtyn Franke, GHS student
Goliad High School students, from left, Jillian McDaniel and Jesielah McGilbra help make the floral arrangements that will adorn the tables at the Boots and Boas benefit Jan. 21. Tickets are $60 each and available at Goliad Chamber of Commerce, Ag Med and Goliad National Bank.
Photo of Turquoise and Company jewelry is contributed from Tanya Jacob.
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