From the Golden State to the Lone Star State All the Way to this Houston Charity-TEACH Celebrates Its 8th Annual Gala

From the Golden State to the Lone Star State and All the Way to this Houston Charity – TEACH Celebrates its 8th Annual Gala

Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, brought his winning game to the 8th annual Champions for TEACH gala (virtual this year), which raised more than $865,000 for To Educate All Children (TEACH). Philanthropist Fayez Sarofim graciously underwrote the event. These dollars raised support TEACH’s mission, which provides educators with intensive training and coaching in de-escalation and conflict resolution in order to decrease disciplinary referrals, improve student achievement and reduce teacher turnover. Teachers need this support more than ever now, as children have started returning to classrooms in the new pandemic environment.

H-E-B President and event co-chair Scott McClelland served as the emcee and the highlight of the virtual program was his one-on-one interview with Coach Kerr. Kerr was engaging and lively as he spoke about his championship-winning NBA career, the NBA bubble this year, growing up in the Middle East, and more. Kerr’s parents were both educators, and he continues to have a passion for supporting proven initiatives for teachers and students.

Social distancing norms were maintained as organization co-founder Susan Sarofim and new director Alvin Abraham made deliveries of gift cards to table sponsors, thus creating a safe and happy way to reconnect with those supporters.

Houston native and Executive Director Alvin Abraham joined TEACH in October and this event was an exciting way to meet and share his vision with many of TEACH’s supporters, educators and partners.

McClelland, along with co-chairs Soraya McClelland, Carol Linn and Mike Linn, and TEACH co -founders Susan Sarofim and Mary Yenik was just one hour. Energy was abundant during those sixty minutes as awards were presented to long-time supporters Honorable Joanne King Herring and Paul Somerville. Carol Linn led an energetic appeal in hopes of adding another $60,000 to the bottom line.

Another notable participant was Dr. Grenita Lathan, interim superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, who stated “Through TEACH’s help, we are better able to reach our students, and that is especially important now as we reconnect safely and return strong.”

Co-founder Susan Sarofim said, “After seven years of hosting a sold-out event in the River Oaks Country Club ballroom, it is encouraging to me, our staff and our educators to see such tremendous support for our virtual program. We are thrilled that we will be able to positively impact the lives of more than 13,000 students in the 2020-21 school year.”

Socially and virtually present: Margaret Alkek Williams, Nancy Ames and Danny Ward, Fady Armanious, Denise and Philip Bahr, Vicki and John Brentin, Cindi and Robert Colvin, Alex and Luis Elizondo-Thomson, Alina and Roberto Garcia, Joanne King Herring, Lindsay Holstead, Betty and John Hrncir, Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Beth Madison, Janice McNair, Denise Monteleone, Keith and Alice Mosing, Rosemary and Matt Schatzman, Alicia and Lance Smith, Mia and David Sprague, Sebastien Solar, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Karen and Chuck Stall, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Hallie Vanderhider, Abby and Chris Venegas, Mary and Greg Whalley, Phyllis and Cornel Williams, and Mary and Mike Yenik.

For more information on this organization, please visit them at TEACH website.