A flurry of confetti announces the grand total on the big screen as the Wylie Education Foundation wrapped up this year\u2019s annual Boots n\u2019 Barbecue gala Saturday, March 28 at the Plano Event Center. Courtesy Chris Bigenho<\/p>\n
More than 850 supporters gathered Saturday, March 29, at the Plano Event Center for the annual Wylie ISD Education Foundation Boots n\u2019 Barbecue gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating community pride and raising funds to support classroom innovation across the district.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s theme, \u201cProud to be Wylie ISD,\u201d set the tone for a night that blended recognition, fundraising and entertainment, all with a focus on investing in local educators and students.<\/p>\n
Emcees DJ Shirley and Bryan Brokaw guided attendees through the evening\u2019s program, highlighting the foundation\u2019s ongoing impact and the importance of continued community support.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, the Wylie ISD Education Foundation awarded $239,876 in grants to teachers during Convocation and Grant Delivery Days in October,\u201d Shirley said. \u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the evening\u2019s highlights was the presentation of the Elisabeth W. Garrison Legacy Award, one of the foundation\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s 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\u2019s financial stability and long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cBryan Brokaw is truly an amazing human being,\u201d said Wylie ISD Superintendent Kim Spicer in a statement included with the award announcement. \u201cHe is kind, generous, and loves all things Wylie. He epitomizes all that this award stands for, and I can\u2019t think of a more fitting recipient.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The crowd-favorite \u201cHeads or Tails\u201d game, a longstanding foundation tradition that began with the flip of a silver dollar, wrapped up the fundraising as the grand total \u2014 $388,079 \u2014 flashed on the big screen amid a shower of confetti.<\/p>\n
The 23rd\u00a0Annual Boots \u2019N Barbecue Gala was an incredible night for our community, and we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support,\u201d said Windi Fuller, executive director of the Wylie ISD Education Foundation. \u201cRaising $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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n