CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool
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
Lilith's Lullaby cocktail (photo by Angie Cavazos)
Co-founded in 2023 by long-time hospitality pros Alexis Mijares and Angelique Cook Cavazos, this spooky, seasonal immersive pop-up has everything a glamourous ghoul could want: crazy, creative cocktails (more on those in a minute), tarot card readings by The Aunty Alchemist, and spellbinding burlesque performances by the bodacious Belle be Damned & Jadore Productions. “We are going even bigger this year with creative design and spirited activities,” says Mijares. “This year has completely different visuals for a new experience for those who have visited us before.”
Cook, who serves The Cursed Cauldron as its artistic director, has led the transformation of Aero Cocktail Co. into a witchy woman’s abode, complete with curated artwork, a 3D fireplace (we’re not sure what that is…), and plenty of Instagram-worthy nooks and crannies. “I love incorporating tiny details into the installation,” says Cook. “We’ve spent a lot of time crafting this multi-layered experience, and I’m excited for our guests to find new mystical details to explore.”
Meanwhile, Mijares has concocted a menu of creative libations for guests to consume. Along with such classics as the Hexpresso Martini and Sex Magic On The Beach, the new cocktails include Oshun’s Offering, a combination of rum, pumpkin, brown butter, almond, orange liqueur, and lime; Coven’s Calling, an alchemic blend of gin, dry sherry, elderflower, sage, black pepper, lemon, and Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water; and Freyja’s Cup, a fertile mix of vodka, strawberry, rose, honey, lemon, and Fever-Tree Blood Orange Ginger Beer. Spirit-free options will also be on tap, and to keep your stomach full, Aero Cocktail Co.’s kitchen offers Hocus Pocus Popcorn, Paranormal Pizza, and Char-Boo-terie Boards.
“The design transformation, the drinks, it’s all very first-class,” says Nick Galvan, owner of Aero Cocktail Co. “We can’t wait for everyone to come check it out!” (Cue: Thunder, a black cat screeching, and maniacal laughter.)
Alexis Mijares and Angie Cavazos
Oshun's Offering cocktail
Sex Magic on the Beach cocktail