Parents As Teachers Gala Raises Over $87,000

PAT’S “Dance & Donate” Gala & Fundraiser Brings the Groove for a Great Cause Raising $87,125 to Empower Local Families Parents as Teachers of Rural South Central Texas (PAT) brought the community together for an unforgettable evening at their annual fundraising gala, themed “Dance & Donate Through the Decades,” held on February 22, at the Southern Oaks Event Center in Columbus.

The event celebrated the power of early childhood education while inviting guests to step back in time with music, dancing, and lively décor inspired by the decades. From disco to rock and roll, the energy was electric as more than 240 attendees came together to support PAT’s mission to uplift families and unlock the full potential of every child in our rural communities.

The evening featured lively music by the Texas Dream Band, dinner catered by Smoke the Oak BBQ, and delicious appetizers generously provided by Elstner Meat Processing LLC – Weimar Meat Company, Schulenburg Regency, Mikeska’s Bar-B-Q, and HEB. Guests also enjoyed exciting games, a live and silent auction, and a one-ofakind VIP experience all designed to entertain while raising essential funds for PAT’s year-round programming. The evening ran smoothly thanks to our wonderful emcee, Eddie Oppermann, and unforgettable moments were captured beautifully by The Picture Pod. We’re also incredibly grateful to sponsors like Prime Products, Browns Distributing, The Oaks at High Hill, The Stanzel Family Foundation, and Amy Elstner Jewelry Appraisal Services, whose generous support helped make the event a resounding success.