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Parents as Teachers of Rural South-Central Texas (PAT) brought the community together for an unforgettable evening at their annual fundraising gala, NEON LIGHTS: Illuminating Young Minds, held on Feb. 28, at the Southern Oaks Event Center in Columbus.
The NEON LIGHTS fundraiser campaign ran through February 28 and concluded with a vibrant gala celebration centered on one powerful message: When families are supported from the very start, entire communities shine brighter.
More than 150 attendees gathered to support PAT’s mission of empowering families in Fayette and Colorado Counties by promoting the optimal early development, learning, and health of children through parent engagement and education. The evening highlighted PAT’s core belief: You Are Your Child’s Most Influential Teacher.
Guests enjoyed an elevated stationed dinner experience featuring Bella Sera Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Mikeska’s Bar-B-Que carving station, and Schobel’s Restaurant homestyle side dishes. Cocktail hour appetizers were generously provided by the Elstners, setting up the tone for an evening of celebration and connection.
The Texas Dream Band kept the energy high throughout the night as guests participated in an exciting live and silent auction, Heads & Tails, and the popular Liquor Wall. Auctioneer Al Schindler expertly led the live auction, while the evening was guided by a wonderful emcee, Lee Hafley, Schulenburg ISD Superintendent, who helped carry the mission forward with enthusiasm and heart.
A highlight of the night included heartfelt testimonies from PAT family Reece & Haley Cernoch, who shared their personal experience with the program, and Conner Elstner, a former PAT student, who offered a powerful full-circle reminder of the lasting impact early support can have on a child’s future.
PAT extends sincere appreciation to its generous sponsors who made NEON LIGHTS possible, including H-E-B, Schulenburg Regency Retirement Community, Prime Products, The Oaks at High Hill, The Stanzel Family Foundation, Hodgepodge Fair Trade Market & Gathering Co., The Picture Pod, Bella Sera Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Mikeska’s Bar-B-Que, Schobel’s Restaurant, Elstner’s, and all live and silent auction donors.
Special recognition goes to the VIP Table Sponsors: Bob & Lucy Stanzel, Kristinink, Heaney Group LLC, Fayette Savings Bank, Helen Niesner & Friends, Elstner, Venghaus, Andy Bosl, Cowboy Construction, Jack & Linda Greenwade, Tanya & Joe Schindler, and Gary & Terry Braun.
PAT is deeply grateful to its Fundraising Committee, Board of Directors, staff, parent educators, Learn & Play teachers, attendees, bidders, donors, and volunteers whose dedication and generosity made this event a glowing success.
For 24 years, Parents as Teachers of Rural South-Central Texas have partnered with families to build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Funds raised during NEON LIGHTS will directly support home v isits, developmental screenings, parent education, and school readiness programming for families across rural South-Central Texas.
If you would like to support Parents as Teachers or learn more, visit www.swpat. org.
Parents as Teachers of Rural South-Central Texas is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering parents and caregivers to give their children the best possible start in life. Through community-based programs, parent education, developmental screenings, and early learning support, PAT builds strong communities, thriving families, and children who are healthy, safe, learning, and ready for school.
If you or someone you know has young children and would like to learn more or get involved, please call (979) 743-6584 or email [email protected]
