The annual Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) Men Who Cook fundraiser raised approximately $190,000 in sales revenue. The funds will support student enrichment opportunities and enhance educator resources across the District.
The fundraiser was held on February 10, and was presented by First Financial and PBK Architects. There were 76 “celebrity chefs” who whipped up their tastiest dishes in a friendly competition. Guests also enjoyed live music, a silent and live auction.
For more than 10 years, the fundraiser has continued to receive support from community partners such as OakBend Medical. “We are thrilled to back such a great cause and extend a big thank you to everyone involved in making it a memorable and impactful evening,” Oakbend Medical CEO Joe Freudenberger said.
Throughout the evening, attendees worked their way through every food station and enjoyed a savory and sweet culinary surprise. This year’s “Bite of Night” was awarded to Shane Light of Tight BBQ for Smoked Pork Burnt Ends and Elote Corn Casserole and Secundino Alameda, Saul Hernandez, AJ Torres, and Alfred Torres of Mezcal Mafia for Smoked Beef Cheek Tacos.
n addition to the title sponsors, there were more than 50 event sponsors including 9 underwriters: Equitable Advisors, Houston Methodist, Johnson Development, Kay Danziger, Signorelli, Firetron, MCA, Kaluza Inc., and Pfluger. A special recognition goes to our auction donors that including all of district campuses, several departments, Dr. Shannon & Marcus Hodd, Van & Katy Sandler, and business partners including Hunton Group, All Cool AC & Heating, Hartman Properties, the Official Bootman, Houston Stogie Society, Firetron, Dally + Associates, Tight BBQ, and the Fort Bend Equestrian Center.
Sugar Land Councilman, William Ferguson served as this year’s auctioneer raising almost $30,000 in live auction donations. Additionally, LEAF was honored to have Lamar CISD Chief Communications Officer Sonya Cole-Hamilton serve as the event emcee.
“We are incredibly honored to have the full support of foundation partners, business supports, district staff and community leaders supporting us every step of the way,” LEAF Executive Director Kameela Lewis said.
View photos HERE.
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