A year after its successful debut, the Education Foundation of Harris County’s (EFHC) fundraiser luncheon raised the bar

EFHC and Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) board members, leadership and community partners gathered Oct. 3 at the Junior League of Houston for the 2024 Heart of Education Luncheon. The event theme – Journey Through the Looking Glass of Early Childhood Learning – recognizes HCDE and the foundation’s commitment to serving Harris County’s youngest learners.

EFHC is the non-profit, philanthropic arm of HCDE, generating support for educational programs and initiatives in Harris County’s 25 school districts. In his opening address to the room, EFHC Board President Steven David told attendees how the work being done by the foundation positively impacts the communities and children they care about. It’s even beyond children, as programs and initiatives are in place to help adults and families alike.

“The run the gamut and help as many people as possible,” he said. “There’s no better feeling in the world than helping a human being and there’s no better feeling than being able to bring my network, my friends and my groups in to show them. You don’t just have to in government, sit on a board or volunteer to help. You can give money and money goes so far for people with needs.”

The more than 175 guests in the room were invited to participate in the silent auction. A harpist offered smooth melodies and welcoming tones for the function, while the Stafford High School JROTC honor guard presented the colors.

During the meal, attendees watched a video highlighting all the EFHC does to support early childhood learning. It includes SuperMENtors, where positive male figures partner with Head Start campuses and read to students once a month. The students receive those books to keep through EFHC’s support.

It also includes the Early Childhood Winter Conference, a full day of professional development focused on early literacy. More than 500 childhood educators attended 38th annual conference in January, learning strategies and tools to take back to their classrooms and young students.

“We are all about community,” said Leisa Holland-Nelson, who formed the radio show Culture Club HTX alongside Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber and joined her in serving as luncheon co-hosts. “And no matter what level of income you are, you all are here for the same reason, and that’s to give back.”

For the main event, Holland-Nelson and Schreiber took the stage as moderators for the fireside chat. They introduced the day’s featured guest – Pat Mann Phillips of the Hoston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Phillips made rodeo history last year as the first woman elected chair of the board directors.

“I know we believe that education is key to our future and education is the true equalizer,” said Phillips, who became the first woman elected to the 15-member board in 2019. “When you learn something, nobody can take that away from you and it has a great multiplier effect. When you give scholarships or mentor young people, it has a generational impact to families. We know we’re making a difference so thank you for what you do.”

EFHC is finalizing donations from the luncheon, and proceeds will continue funding grants, scholarships and learning initiatives, providing classroom supplies to teachers and filling the gaps in Harris County’s 25 school districts.