Communities In Schools of Houston and The Pit Room present Brighter Futures BBQ

When

November 08, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

What

Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS), in collaboration with The Pit Room, presents the Brighter Futures BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at The Pit Room Memorial City. Barbecue, libations, music, and a silent auction are all part of this festive evening benefiting the educational nonprofit Communities In Schools of Houston. Co-chairs for the event are Jen Espy and Jen Moss.
Guests will enjoy some of the best barbecue in town, along with all the “fixings,” while coming together for a good cause. The Pit Room is the brainchild of owner David Sambrooks, a well-known Houston restaurateur with sons Michael Sambrooks and Laine Sambrooks managing the family business. David Sambrooks, a CIS board member, has been a generous supporter of CIS, including the Brighter Futures BBQ, which started in 2023.
Throughout the day on Nov. 8, the public can help support CIS of Houston by stopping in for breakfast, lunch or dinner at either of The Pit Room locations. All revenue from food and beverage sales on that Saturday will be generously donated to Communities In Schools of Houston. The Montrose location is at 1201 Richmond Ave., and the Memorial City store is located at 10301 Katy Freeway.
No ticket purchase is necessary for patronizing The Pit Room that day; tickets are only required for the “Brighter Futures BBQ” event on Saturday evening. It’s an easy way to sample delicious barbecue and help make a difference.
Proceeds will help fund CIS programs providing academic support, mental health services, family resources and referrals and individualized counseling through dedicated CIS Student Support Specialists and mental health specialists embedded on elementary, middle and high school campuses. CIS services are all offered at no cost to students and families. For the 2025-2026 school year, CIS is on 147 campuses in six school districts (Alief, Cy-Fair, Houston, Royal, Spring, and Spring Branch), along with three charter schools, and the Lone Star College network.

About Communities In Schools of Houston
Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) empowers every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background, to realize their potential in school and beyond. During the 2025-2026 school year, CIS is serving 147 school campuses across Greater Houston. CIS places at least one full-time staff member on each partner campus to deliver direct services and to connect students and families with needed community resources. We collaborate with 254 community partners each year to help students confront and overcome barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. CIS works alongside students, families, alumni and stakeholders to create meaningful change that impacts lives today and generations to come.

About The Pit Room
The Pit Room, located at 1201 Richmond Avenue in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, serves Central Texas-style barbecue in a laid-back rustic space with indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio anchored by a full bar. Known for its bold flavors and quality smoked meats, including a 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade, it’s a local favorite for breakfast tacos, generous meat plates, and a come-as-you-are walk-in vibe. A second location in the Energy Corridor at 10301 Katy Freeway is nearly three times the size of the Montrose outpost. It features a meat counter, an expanded patio, and a miniature ice cream shop for the sugar hounds.

Tickets

Individual tickets are $300 for adults 18 and up. Tables for six are available at $1,800, while tables for 10 are $3,000.

Where

The Pit Room

1201 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77006