Touchdown for TEACH 2015: Press Release

CONTACT: Ellie Francisco
ellie@franciscoandco.com
866-366-5274
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Goal Achieved for To Educate All Children (TEACH)

HOUSTON (November 10, 2015) – Good energy, great vibe was all about the Touchdown for TEACH event as over 510 guests packed into the sold out ballroom at River Oaks Country Club Tuesday November 10. Chairs and tables were wall to wall in the ballroom. Special Guest Michael Strahan, interviewed by Spencer Tillman, had supporters applauding and laughing as he remarked on his career, his many jobs including co-hosting top-rated entertainment talk show “LIVE with Kelly and Michael, ” special co-host for leading morning program, “Good Morning America,” and as an Emmy-nominated analyst for “Fox NFL Sunday.”  Questions ranged from the importance of education and a good teacher to how does Strahan find time to do it all.  The crowd loved when spontaneously the two talked about their wake up songs then started singing them and busting a move on the stage.

Co-founders Susan D. Sarofim and Mary Yenik were cheering the huge success which raised a record breaking $600,000 for the program that works to give educators strategies to more effectively work with their most challenging students in often difficult environments. The organization will net the entire amount raised thanks to Fayez Sarofim who underwrote the entire event.

Educators that work with TEACH have fewer disciplinary referrals, calmer and more productive classrooms, and improved student achievement. TEACH coach Lenny Cervantes interviewed a student who had the supporters applauding for the success the program achieves in supporting local schools. Event Chairmen for the second year in a row Carol and Mike Linn and Honorary Chairmen DeeDee and Wallis Marsh were thrilled with the evening and at the number of HISD schools that will benefit from guests’ generosity.

Executive Director Kelly Krohn said, “We want to thank everyone for making Touchdown for TEACH such a success. Our supporters recognize the importance of Houston’s educators and the impact on our children. ”

Seen in the crowd: Fayez Sarofim, Tracy and Laurie Krohn, Nancy and Dr. Terry Grier, Andrew Sarofim, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Beth Madison, Meredith and Cornelia Long, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Soraya and Scott McClelland, Joanne King Herring, Ileana and Michael Trevino, Donna and Tony Vallone, Joann and Bill Crassas, Margaret Alkek Williams, Phyllis Williams, Karen and Chuck Stall, Grace Kim, Judie Oudt, Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow, Chuck Jenness, Susan and Richard Keeton, Belinda and Corky Hillhouse, Bruce Derrick, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Bill King, Fred Zeidman, Greg Meyers, Harvin Moore, Anna Eastman, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobbie and John Nau, Peter Remington, Meredith and Langston Turner, Chita Johnson and Lane Craft, Diane Lokey Farb and Trini Mendenhall.