Spectacular Taylor Swift Gift Boosts Houston Classical Charter School — Part of a Jaw-Dropping $1.75 Million Windfall
Growing to Make a Bigger Difference
By Shelby Hodge //
Photography Daniel Ortiz
What: Houston Classical Charter School (HCCS) second annual Foundational Dinner
Where: The Goodman
PC Moment: Highlight of the evening would be the spectacular bottom line — $1,750,000 raised for the tuition-free charter school that welcomes low income students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Last year’s gala proceeds of $1.1 million allowed the expansion from kindergarten to third grade. These 2024 gala proceeds will enable the school to register and teach more students.
That growth “is not merely for the sake of expansion,” HCCS founder Deyvis Salazar told the gathering. “We are not aiming to become a network of 20 schools. On the contrary, we strive to maintain intimate connections with our families. Rather, we are committed to knowing each child and family who walks through our doors.”
Located in Alief, Houston Classical Charter School employs a classical approach to learning, stressing rigorous academics, character development and a structured environment designed to ensure high school, college and life success.
Applause, applause for chairs Kristin and Raul Abello, honorary chairs, Dr. Julie and Eric Kuo and Jessica and Brian Leeke, and auction chairs Jordan and Dylan Seff.
HCCS patrons Joe Greenberg, the Alta Resources founder, and Mark Gregg, Kiwi Energy founder, generously contributed to the bottom line by announcing that they would match all gifts during the event up to $200,000.
Further adding to the proceeds were to-die-for live auction items — a signed Taylor Swift guitar, two tickets to her concert in New Orleans, an unforgettable journey to the sun-kissed shores of Puerto Vallarta for 17 at Villa Alexa, and a Hill Country getaway with a James Beard Award nominated chef.
PC Seen: Adrienne and Snehal Amin, Katy Thomas-Salazar, Claire Liu, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, John Marc Monrad, Jillian and Yuri Waldo, Katherine and Paul Manuel, Haydeh and Ali Davoudi, Cristina and Morgan Lunt, Debra Gregg, Kathy Goossen, Anna and Charlie Schwartzel, Katherine and Paul Manuel, and Natalie Mohtashami.
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