LEAGUE CITY, Texas– The Clear Creek Education Foundation (CCEF) was saddened to cancel the 14th annual “I Love CCISD” Fashion Show, originally scheduled for Sunday, March 22nd due to COVID 19 restrictions. During these uncertain times, it’s hard to know how to ask for community support. With that in mind, CCEF decided to plan & pivot and hosted their first ever virtual event, “iLOVE CCISD…. Supporting Teachers, Our Children’s First Responders.” The online event lasted 48 hours, raising $10,000 through silent auction, raffle, donations and Tshirt sales. With many sponsors and donors continuing to support, the virtual event raised $33,000 total to support the teachers and students through innovative programs in the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD).
“We were blessed that our community sponsors supported us through the transition and enabled us to move forward with our virtual event. It’s a great testament to the love and support we receive from so many in the CCISD community”, expressed by CCEF Executive Director Deborah Laine. Proceeds will support teacher grants for the new school year that provide innovative learning materials to CCISD students, beyond what CCISD provides.”
CCEF was thrilled with the amount of social media buzz generated, with more than 10,000 people reached online, resulting in more than 45% of winning bidders identified as new donors. During the virtual event, over 40 items were up for grabs in a silent auction format. Twenty-two specialty baskets were personally designed and created by teachers and staff at CCISD schools in support of the original CCEF Fashion Show. Other items received from community partners were featured as well. Guests registered on the online bidding platform and had fun bidding against their friends virtually.
“This was my first virtual fundraising event, and CCEF did a great job of promoting the event in advance, providing detailed information and pictures of baskets, and keeping the enthusiasm going for the event with reminders and notifications,” said MRI Technologies CEO, Deborah Kropp. “Thank you CCEF for your efforts to support our teachers and our children’s education during these challenging times!”
In addition to the auction items, CCEF sold raffle tickets for a beautiful David Yurman necklace, donated by Lewis Jewelers. Congratulations to Lori Schubert, with Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai, for having the lucky winning ticket!
Each year, CCEF hosts a Kinderart contest throughout the district. Congratulations to Josiah Hall, Kindergartner in Ms. Aalund’s art class, at League City Elementary, for designing the 2020 winning Kinderart. His art was featured on CCEF’s Tshirts for sale leading up to and during the virtual event. Along with Josiah’s art, the top 5 finalists from the contest had their art featured on individual notecards for sale as well. Lydia Foster, North Pointe Elementary; Liv Vigil, Brookwood Elementary; Kaylee Coguox, McWhirter Elementary; Parker Standifer, League City Elementary and Savannah Robbins, Ralph Parr Elementary were the young aspiring artists selected and featured on this year’s notecards.
CCEF is very grateful for the continued support of the community as well as the event sponsors. This event would not have been possible without these wonderful businesses and individuals:
Mercedes-Benz of Clear Lake, Chemical Process and Production, UTMB Health, Elite Care 24 Hour Emergency, Amoco Federal Credit Union, Beacon Federal Credit Union, Memorial Hermann, Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai, Service Steel Warehouse Co, Rob and Jill Kaale, Jay and Carrie Cunningham, Ann Hammond, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, Nicholas and Kari Long, Elaine Rister, Plant Process Equipment Inc., Ron Carter Autoland- Alvin, Texan Bank, South Shore Harbor Resort and Conference Center, The Mackay Family and Women Who Wish.