A flurry of confetti announces the grand total on the big screen as the Wylie Education Foundation wrapped up this year’s annual Boots n’ Barbecue gala Saturday, March 28 at the Plano Event Center. Courtesy Chris Bigenho
More than 850 supporters gathered Saturday, March 29, at the Plano Event Center for the annual Wylie ISD Education Foundation Boots n’ Barbecue gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating community pride and raising funds to support classroom innovation across the district.
This year’s theme, “Proud to be Wylie ISD,” set the tone for a night that blended recognition, fundraising and entertainment, all with a focus on investing in local educators and students.
Emcees DJ Shirley and Bryan Brokaw guided attendees through the evening’s program, highlighting the foundation’s ongoing impact and the importance of continued community support.
Funds raised through the gala and other foundation efforts throughout the year directly support grant opportunities for Wylie ISD teachers. Those grants fund creative, innovative projects that enhance classroom learning and provide students with expanded educational experiences.
“This year, the Wylie ISD Education Foundation awarded $239,876 in grants to teachers during Convocation and Grant Delivery Days in October,” Shirley said. “But thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors, we are awarding additional grants tonight, totaling an extra $11,054 in funding, bringing our total for the year to $250,935.”
One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Elisabeth W. Garrison Legacy Award, one of the foundation’s highest honors. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a long-standing commitment to servant leadership, give generously of their time and resources, and place a strong emphasis on supporting education.
This year’s recipient, Brokaw, was recognized for his extensive service and leadership within the Wylie community and the Education Foundation. A financial advisor and longtime foundation board member, Brokaw has served in key leadership roles, including president, and has played a significant role in strengthening the organization’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.
Over more than a decade of involvement, Brokaw has combined professional expertise with a deep personal commitment to Wylie ISD, helping ensure the foundation remains positioned to support students and educators for years to come.
“Bryan Brokaw is truly an amazing human being,” said Wylie ISD Superintendent Kim Spicer in a statement included with the award announcement. “He is kind, generous, and loves all things Wylie. He epitomizes all that this award stands for, and I can’t think of a more fitting recipient.”
Following the award presentation, the evening shifted into high-energy fundraising activities. Guests participated in a live auction led by auctioneer Clay Potter, with items ranging from a private mixology experience and a Louis Vuitton handbag to an Argentina dove hunting excursion and other unique packages.
Supporters also had the opportunity to bid on a wide array of silent auction items online in advance of the event, further boosting fundraising efforts.
The crowd-favorite “Heads or Tails” game, a longstanding foundation tradition that began with the flip of a silver dollar, wrapped up the fundraising as the grand total — $388,079 — flashed on the big screen amid a shower of confetti.
The 23rd Annual Boots ’N Barbecue Gala was an incredible night for our community, and we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support,” said Windi Fuller, executive director of the Wylie ISD Education Foundation. “Raising $389,479 [final total], the highest amount ever generated in a single evening for this event, is a testament to the generosity and commitment of those who believe in Wylie ISD.”
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