Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool

WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Gala is not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.


Chaired by philanthropists Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam, with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate, the magical evening supporting the valuable and impactful work of CIS of Houston begins at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, then dinner and the program. Rounding out the event is live entertainment by the popular Houston-based band Klockwork. Guests can dance the night away, starting at 9pm.

The always diverse crowd makes for a dynamic event. Party-goers are encouraged to dress in “Wonderland Whimsy Cocktail” attire, with the goal of fun and festive. Cocktail attire is also a great option.

Don Friedell and emcee Lisa Malosky at a previous CIS Gala

Attendees at a previous CIS Gala

A full ballroom at a prior CIS Gala

CIS of Houston's Martha Montoya Sanchez with Northbrook High School seniors

CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant and CIS of Houston Dir. of Development Donna Watkins with CareSource Foundation


Special guest at the 45th Anniversary Gala is Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National in Arlington, VA. During the program, guests will view a powerful video about the life-changing work of CIS Houston, in addition to hearing heartwarming testimonials, bringing a personal touch to the evening.

Funds raised from A Night in Wonderland will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 163 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.

The chairs want to thank the event’s top-tier donors to date: Judy and Charles Tate; CenterPoint Energy; Sharon G. Dies; The Marie and James H. Galloway Foundation; Beth and Bob Gower; and Marathon Oil.

Tickets are going fast! They start at $500, and tables for 10 range from $5,000 through $50,000. Underwriting opportunities are still available.

Judy Tate (photo by Emily Jaschke)

Scott and Kirby McCool

Kit Detering, Cassie Milam, Carl Detering (photo by Jenny Antill)

Sharon G. Dies and Lauren Brollier

Thrive & Inspire: At Orion, O’Brien and Patel's Focus Is ‘Families We Transport Every Day’

ORION EMS Vice President Sumi Patel and President/CEO & Founder Gerard O'Brien

DESCRIBE YOUR HIGHLIGHT of 2022. A continuation of our values, our leadership within the industry and the commitment to quality that our customers have come to expect. We remain on a growth trajectory within Houston and are happy to continue to expand our customer base by providing quality care.

Keep Reading Show less

Lennon and 'Give Peace a Chance' (portrait courtesy Yoko Ono)

THE ATELIER OF Off the Wall Gallery, located on level one of The Galleria just above the ice-skating rink, is the site for Give Peace a Chance, a newly curated, premiere exhibition of limited-edition prints of artwork by John Lennon.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Ferrari-Carano winery

MORNINGS IN THE 50s and crisp sunny afternoons, Michelin star restaurants, and world-class wineries are just a few reasons to visit northern Cali wine country this September. Another reason? The new Sonoma County Wine Celebration September 19-21, which replaces the annual Sonoma Wine Auction, the largest wine charity in the region. Read on for tips on making the journey an action-packed weekend, where to stay, and where to taste. Just make sure to pack your finest cowboy boots, y'all!

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places