The Tyler ISD Foundation hosted its 2023 Gala, The Big Easy Gala, on Saturday, Nov. 18th at the Willow Brook Country Club. The New Orleans-themed celebration brought together more than 250 guests and raised more than $65,000 for Tyler ISD teachers and students.
The event, chaired by Stephanie Taylor, transported guests to the Big Easy with hurricane signature cocktails, a NOLA-inspired menu, and a trifecta of great fellowship, entertainment, and fun, all while rallying around the Foundation’s mission.
“The Tyler ISD Foundation Gala is more than an awesome party, it is evidence of what a community connected to each other and a mission can do together,” said Taylor.
The Gala celebrated the 33 years of impact and partnership of Tyler ISD and the Tyler ISD Foundation and honored Dr. Gary and Lisa Gross, for their many years of commitment to both the Foundation and Tyler ISD. The couple was presented with the 2023 Bonnie & Tab Beall Impact Award. Mr. Adam Morrow was the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Gary Gorss Service Award for his volunteer service and leadership on the Tyler ISD Foundation board. The 2023 Tyler ISD Distinguished Alumni, Dr. Shirley McKellar, and Mr. Jesse Rider were also recognized with a standing ovation during the festivities.
Every inch of the event was adorned with beautiful decor that perfectly captured the committee's vision of putting together an evening of rich New Orleans culture and the essence of the magical city.
Gala attendees danced through the second line parade, vied with friends over exceptional auction items, played a fun game of Heads-or-Tails for a trip to Costa Rica, and partied to the jazz and zydeco tunes of George Faber and the Jazz Connection band.
The tremendous success of this year’s event would not have been possible without the generous support of Gala Title Sponsor Fitzpatrick Architects.
Top event sponsors also included The Azalea Group at Morgan Stanley, Staples Sotheby's International Real Estate, Scarborough Commercial Real Estate, Iglesias Law Firm, Classic Toyota, Hospitality Health ER, Cooperative Teachers Credit Union, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, ETV Software and Computer Repair in Tyler, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Chris C Hazelip, CFP, CLU, AAMS, Vexus Fiber, Corgan, Patty and Hub Coleman, Bonnie and Tab Beall, The University of Texas at Tyler, Southside Bank, Tyler Radiology Associates, Hoar Construction, L.A. Fuess Partners, VeraBank, Oncor, Citizen’s 1st Bank, and EMA Engineering & Consulting.
About Tyler ISD Foundation:
The Tyler Independent School District Foundation is the non-profit, philanthropic partner of Tyler ISD, providing resources to inspire learning, enrich teaching, and enhance opportunities for our students through exemplary programs. We know that Tyler ISD is one of the primary economic mobility engines for the City of Tyler and will continue to be for decades to come, and as such, the Tyler ISD Foundation's commitment to invest in our public school system runs deep. Since its creation in 1990, the Foundation has donated more than $3.7 million to the district. Tyler ISD Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax-deductible.
Photo: Dr. Gary Gross and Lisa Gross
