According to the “CIS Soiree for Students” Honorary Co-Chairs Katherine and Key Coker,
“When our friend asked us to be the honorary co-chairs of the ‘CIS Soiree for Students,’ we were thrilled to support Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region (CISDR) because it helps at-risk students reach their full potential. Key is a big advocate of CISDR having supported the organization through his work as the Dallas CEO at BBVA Compass.
“Thousands of Dallas-area students attend school with the goal to learn, develop and thrive, but unfortunately, 74 percent of these children are struggling with those simple things. Since 1985, CISDR has led an integral intervention on select school campuses, with trained CISDR staff accessible to students every day. This service is provided at no cost to parents with programs that offer individualized tutoring, counseling, truancy diversion, parenting education, socialization and college/career preparation. At the close of the 2014-15 school year, 9,182 children had received support on their campuses, with 90 percent improving in academics and 91 percent of eligible seniors graduating.
“As our kids are getting ready to go back to school this August, the ‘CIS Soiree for Students’ will be there to improve educational equality for all children in our community. This year’s event is on Saturday, August 27, and it will include an elegant dinner and live and silent auctions with exciting musical entertainment—all in the magical setting of Dallas’ own Texas Discovery Gardens and the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House.
“The ‘Soiree’ is made possible in part by Presenting Sponsor Alon USA, Malachite Sponsors DFW NCDA and Lewis Public Relations, Chrysalis Sponsors Serena Simmons Connelly and Turner Construction and Benefactors Cherrise and Fredrik Cederqvist and the Clampitt Foundation. Media Sponsors include PaperCity and Park Cities News and the Waters Family. The chair is Maggie Cooke Kipp and the auction co-chairs are Sara and Bill Woodall. We are grateful to everyone who has supported us so far, and we welcome additional sponsors and partners.
“Please join us and other members of the community in making a difference in the lives of Dallas-area students. Individual tickets are available at $175 each, with ‘Premier Pairs’ of benefactor tickets available for $450 and sponsorships starting at $2,500. With your help, we can ensure a successful new school year for thousands of at-risk kids in our community.”
* Photo provided by Communities in Schools of Dallas Region