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
Little Woodrow's is in the Oktoberfest spirit.
Bayou Heights Bier Garten
Enjoy Oktoberfest flights and food specials throughout the month. Its annual Weeniefest & Oktoberfest celebration is on Oct. 12; bring your furry friends for weenie dog races beginning at noon. Games and prizes will take over with a weenie tossing contest, stein hoisting contest, and costume contests. Goodtime Muffin will perform from 3pm-6pm.
Heights Bier Garten
Heights Bier Garten (photo by Emily Vitek)
Houstonians can celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest and a day full of music, food, and friendly competition on Oct. 5. Doors open at 11am, and The Monicas will take the stage with live music from 6pm-10pm. Before that, games and prizes include a beer chugging contest, yodeling contest and costume contest. Reservations can be made at Resy.com or here.
Karbach Brewery
On weekends through Oct. 6, the annual Karbachtober Fest will offer an oompah band on the patio, stein-hoisting competitions, and wiener dog races. Its menu includes burgers, pizza, loaded pretzels, Korean fried chicken, and even a kid’s menu.
Little Woodrow's
Live music and stein-hoisting will be on tap this Sat., Sept. 28 at the EaDo outpost of this Texas icehouse built for fun. Also, Sept. 28, the Heights location will offer a stein relay, stein hoisting and cornhole games; meanwhile, in Bellaire, there will be backyard Oktoberfest games and more beer. If in SugarLand, bring your pup for the Dachtoberfest, or come for the stein hoisting later in the evening.
Postino
Postino's Oktoberfest special
Bring the wine drinkers, cocktail fans and beer lovers for grazing delights at this wine café. Enjoy a happy-hour draft beer pitcher of Sierra Nevada Brewery’s limited-release Oktoberfest Festbier paired with Nick’s Board. The spread features warm soft pretzels, Italian sausage and Spanish pork links, dippable pimento cheese, and pickles ($27). Specials last through Oct. 31.
Saint Arnold
Houston’s original brewery promises the biggest Oktoberfest yet. The party has already started and continues through Oct. 5, so giddy up! Oct. 2 the beer garden menu will feature Schwarzbier and brat burgers. Come back for the big weekend celebration Oct. 4 and 5 and bring your appetite for chicken schnitzel sandwiches, Big Dill pizza, brat burgers, bratwurst and sausage plates or a schnitzel plate. Featured beers made with hops from Germany include Festbier, Helles, German Pils, German-style Hefewizen and more.