FISD Education Foundation’s 2026 Gala Raises $550,000+ for FISD Students and Teachers

The Friendswood Education Foundation (FEF) hosted its 26th Annual Gala, “Serendipity, A Sweet Escape,” on Saturday, February 28, at the Galveston Island Convention Center, bringing together community members, educators, families, and supporters for an evening of celebration, connection, and generosity.

As the Foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the Gala welcomed over 700 guests and raised a record-breaking $550,000 to support innovative grants, educator scholarships, and impactful educational initiatives benefiting Friendswood ISD (FISD) students and teachers. The evening featured a vibrant cocktail hour followed by a delicious dinner, an exciting live and silent auction, and the Foundation’s first-ever digital paddle raise. The new format was met with enthusiastic participation as guests used their mobile devices to directly invest in FISD classrooms. Guests also explored the Adopt-A-Grant displays, thoughtfully designed by Friendswood High School students and proudly hosted by FEF Grant Champions. This year, educators submitted 646 grant requests totaling more than $600,000, representing creative, hands-on learning opportunities across the district.

“Each year, this evening is a reminder of what makes Friendswood so special. When our community comes together to support teachers and students, incredible things happen in our classrooms. The impact of tonight will be felt across Friendswood ISD for years to come,” said FEF President Shanna Kirkpatrick.

Throughout the evening, guests stepped into a true “Sweet Escape,” enjoying exclusive auction packages, one-of-a-kind Mustang experiences, and delightful surprises woven throughout the celebration. Attendees embraced the whimsical theme in vibrant, colorful attire while capturing memories at playful photo stations, including a giant gumball machine and ice cream cone display. A roaming “candy girl” photographer added to the festive atmosphere, snapping photos throughout the evening.

Special moments throughout the night delighted guests, including a dramatic dessert reveal for the event’s Title Sponsors, where a chocolate shell was melted with warm chocolate sauce to unveil the sweet treat inside. During the Paddle Raise, the generosity of the evening grew even sweeter as more than $133,000 was raised to go directly towards the Foundation’s Adopt-A-Grant program.

The evening concluded with a spirited celebration of giving, and guests departed with festive takeaways prepared by the Friendswood High School Culinary Arts students, a final reminder of the students whose futures the evening’s generosity helps support.

The success of the Gala was made possible through the generosity of local businesses, families, and event sponsors, including Title Sponsors The Handy Family and Tannos Development Group LLC, along with numerous underwriters and table sponsors who continue to champion public education in Friendswood.

Since its founding, FEF has granted more than $4.9 million to FISD teachers and students, funding transformative projects that extend beyond the scope of traditional district budgets. In addition to classroom grants, the Foundation has awarded more than $78,000 in educator scholarships, supporting professional growth and lifelong learning for FISD educators.

The Foundation’s mission remains steadfast: to support FISD and enhance student and teacher experiences by providing innovative and engaging learning opportunities. For more information about the Friendswood Education Foundation or to support its mission, visit fef.myfisd.com.