The Round Rock ISD Partners in Education (PIE) Foundation’s 21st Annual Shining Stars Gala, “An Evening in Music,” at the new Embassy Suites by Hilton in Round Rock raised over $334,000. The funds raised benefit innovative programs in the classroom that are not supported by traditional tax dollars. This year’s event focused on the Round Rock ISD Fine Arts Department, a follow-up of the Police Department Behavioral Therapy Puppies, and the variety of programs offered to all students in Round Rock ISD.

“The Foundation is so grateful to all of our community leaders, business partners and PTAs who together continue to support Round Rock ISD and our fundraising efforts in the goal of supporting quality education for all students,” said Marianne Reap, PIE Foundation executive director. “Though we support every department in the District, we are honored to partner with the Fine Arts department and our Police department in this year’s event and share the wonderful opportunities both departments offer our children.”

With the support of the PIE Foundation’s Presenting Sponsor, Texas Children’s Hospital, all 400 guests took part in an evening that included dinner, live and silent auctions, a casino, and games. This is Texas Children’s Hospital’s first community partnership investment into the North Austin area where their new hospital of 52 beds will be opening in 2024. The hospital will include neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, operating rooms, epilepsy monitoring, sleep center, emergency center, fetal center for advanced fetal interventions and fetal surgery with a special high-risk delivery unit, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, acute care and an on-site Texas Children’s Urgent Care location.

“Texas Children’s Hospital is dedicated to bringing the highest quality care and support to families through education and collaboration with the Round Rock community.” said Ryan Breaux, assistant vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital. Mr. Breaux will be leading the Austin expansion of Texas Children’s Hospital.

The Gala is the Foundation’s most significant fundraising event of the year and proceeds are used to enrich, enhance and maximize the quality of education for all students in Round Rock ISD through scholarships, classroom grants, teacher of the year awards and more.

Along with Presenting Sponsor, Texas Children’s Hospital, the Foundation is honored to have been supported by Gold Sponsor, Dell Technologies, and Silver sponsors Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Hot Dog Marketing Rock Springs, Smile Doctors and St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.

The Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation’s mission is to develop and allocate resources to the Round Rock Independent School District to enrich, enhance, and maximize the quality of education for all students. The Foundation is an independent, non-profit corporation established by parents, local businesses, civic organizations and community leaders to make a positive impact on public education.