.jpg)
PAT’S “Dance & Donate” gala & fundraiser brings the groove for a great cause
Raising $71,141 to empower local families
Parents as Teachers of Rural South-Central Texas (PAT) brought the community together for an unforgettable evening at their annual fundraising gala, themed “Dance & Donate Through the Decades,” held on Feb. 22, at the Southern Oaks Event Center in Columbus.
The event celebrated the power of early childhood education while inviting guests to step back in time with music, dancing, and lively décor inspired by the decades. From disco to rock and roll, the energy was electric as more than 240 attendees came together to support PAT’s mission to uplift families and unlock the full potential of every child in our rural communities.
The evening featured lively music by the Texas Dream Band, dinner catered by Smoke the Oak BBQ, and delicious appetizers generously provided by Elstner Meat Processing LLC – Weimar Meat Company, Schulenburg Regency, Mikeska’s Bar-B-Q, and HEB. Guests also enjoyed exciting games, a live and silent auction, and a one-of-a-kind VIP experience — all designed to entertain while raising essential funds for PAT’s year-round programming. The evening ran smoothly thanks to our wonderful emcee, Eddie Oppermann, and unforgettable moments were captured beautifully by The Picture Pod. We’re also incredibly grateful to sponsors like Prime Products, Browns Distributing, The Oaks at High Hill, Stanzel Family Foundation, and Amy Elstner Jewelry Appraisal Services, whose generous support helped make the event a resounding success.
PAT of Rural South-Central Texas extends heartfelt thanks to every attendee, donor, bidder, sponsor, and volunteer who helped make the night and the overall fundraiser a success. Each contribution brings the organization one step closer to ensuring every child in our local communities has access to the vital early learning support they need.
If you would like to support Parents as Teachers or learn more, visit sw-pat.org.
Pictured: L-R: Lorena Hernandez, Karen Hoskins, Tara Stech, Matt Pekar, Cheryl Pekar, Carol Janecka, Phyllis Venghaus, Windi Raphael, Dallas Garza, Carl Elstner, Sherise Davis, Melinda Barneycastle, Brooksie Fuchs, Amy Elstner, Elyse Kristinik, Nettie Cernosek, Josue Rivas, Lucy Stanzel, Eddie Oppermann.
