Communities In Schools of Houston hosts the Illuminating Student Futures gala on Thursday, April 9th

When

April 09, 2026 |6:00 pm

What

WHAT: Illuminating Student Futures—Communities In Schools of Houston’s (CIS) annual gala – takes place Thursday, April 9th, at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. Chaired by philanthropists Tara and Spencer English and Cathryn and David Lyman, the event honors Judge Ed Emmett (former Harris County judge) and Gwen Emmett for their long-time friendship and support of CIS and our students. Gwen served on the CIS Board of Directors for many years, and Ed has been a trusted advisor to CIS of Houston.

The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a program at 7 p.m., featuring inspirational testimonies from CIS students, CIS Student Support Specialists and more. Live entertainment by the band Klockwork will close out the night with dancing.

Proceeds from the gala support CIS’s mission to empower students by providing critical resources—from mental health counseling and academic support to health and human services. CIS serves 147 campuses across Greater Houston, placing full-time Student Support Specialists in schools to offer direct services and referrals. Additionally, CIS of Houston’s Mental Health Initiative, launched 14 years ago, delivers behavioral and mental health interventions to students across CIS campuses.

Tickets

$500 and up

Where

The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown

1600 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027