Friday, September 25, 2009

CIS 30th Anniversary Gala: Former First Lady Laura Bush


The Big Secret is Out!!


Former First Lady Laura Bush will be the Special Honoree and Keynote Speaker at Communities In School’s 30th Anniversary Gala!! Mrs. Bush, a former teacher and librarian whose focus has always been education and literacy, has continued to be a voice for children from the classroom to the Governor’s mansion to the White House and beyond. She best expressed her lifelong commitment to education when, at the 2000 Republican National Convention, she said “education is the living room of my life.” The Former First Lady experienced first hand as a teacher and librarian in Austin, Dallas and Houston schools the delays at-risk children can experience especially in reading. She has been a staunch supporter of Communities In Schools and has expressed pride in the fact that CIS has such a large and esteemed presence in Texas.

Mrs. Bush will help CIS Houston celebrate a very special gala in honor of our milestone 30 years of service to Houston schools. The gala is always a wonderful opportunity to learn all that CIS does for Houston’s at-risk students and our success at reducing the drop-out rate. Communities In Schools can’t do it alone. Our 30th Anniversary Gala will also be a grand and festive opportunity to thank and acknowledge our more than 300 partners who help make our services possible.

We have so much to celebrate…so much to be thankful for.

If you have not already purchased your tickets, please join us in making this special event an unprecedented success so we can continue our vital work helping kids stay in school and prepare for life.


Here are GALA details:

What: 30th Anniversary Gala, Special Honoree and Keynote Speaker, Former First Lady Laura Bush
When: Thursday, October 29, 6:30 pm
Where: Hilton Houston Post Oak
Benefitting: Communities In Schools Houston, Inc.
Chairmen: Franelle Rogers and Linda Gale White
Honorees: H-E-B, Corporate Honoree and Barrett Reasoner, Community Honoree
Tariff: Tables from $5,000, Tickets are $500.00

Party Notes: Cocktail Attire, Special Guest TBA
Contact: Jessica Reyes, 713-654-1515 x136,
Jessica@cis-houston.org


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Friday, September 04, 2009

Reflections on the 30th Anniversary In-Service



What happens when a group of dedicated, high energy, hardworking people decide to let loose and have fun? You get the ‘’Best In-service EVER!”

Michael Gray had the assigned task of pulling together this year’s CIS in-service for all CIS staff and officers. In-service day happens every year. But this is not just any year. Mr. Gray felt that the event needed to be special for Communities In Schools’ 30th Anniversary milestone and memorable to mark the enormous accomplishment of 30 years of service for CIS Executive Director, Cynthia Clay Briggs.

By all accounts, the 30th Anniversary In-service exceeded all expectations…and then some! Michael Gray credits the contributions of the many staffers who helped to bring together all of the elements of a meaningful and poignant affair…

*With Dave and Buster’s all to themselves, everyone was able to let loose and play!

*And the irreplaceable Bob Gower who brought greetings and words of gratitude from an appreciative Board of Directors, followed by a heartfelt and touching happy birthday tribute to Mr. Gower.

*With the awe-inspiring surprise from the dapper Allen Schonberg and his U.S. Army Reserves commanding officers. Mr. Schonberg, in full uniform, along with CSM Gary Krpec and MAJ Michelle Bryant, entered the room to a standing ovation and presented Ms. Clay-Briggs with an Employer Appreciation Award.

*And with the delicious and festive fajita buffet dinner!

*With the awards presentation honoring an impressive list of long-time employees and outstanding service.

*And Bill Hurt’s wonderful tribute to Ms. Clay-Briggs (word has it that Mr. Hurt really knows how to party!!)

In all, our happy, reunited CIS family came away inspired, relaxed and ready to start the new school year!

Comments heard around the water cooler… okay, the proverbial water cooler… were

The event was …

“a great outlet!”

“so fun to sit and visit!”

“a really enjoyable time to relax!”

“I enjoyed the chance to bond with those I’ve never had a chance to meet!”

Allen Schonberg said , “I was honored to have an opportunity to give back and recognize how much the organization has done for me as a soldier. Other employers have been known to give their service members negativity and resistance, but I have never had that issue in my 8 years with the agency!"

What was Michael Gray’s response to all of the positive feedback? He says modestly, “For this special year, I just wanted everyone to be happy!”

Well, Michael, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! Great Job!!

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