The Columbus Education Foundation Launch Party was held on July 22 at Hound Song Brewing Company in Columbus. 

Becca Edmiston, chair and event coordinator, successfully involved a diverse group of community members to plan and execute the fundraiser. Joe Palasota, Hound Song Brewing Co. manager, along with Hound Song Brewing Co. owners, Raven and Travis Kocurek provided stellar care for an outstanding party with a Build-Your-Own Nacho Bar and their famous pretzel rolls in the newly expanded party room.

A live auction with Dr. Thomas Hancher, president of CEF, and Robert Russell, CISD School Board Member, serving as auctioneers featured delectable baked goods raised important funds for future scholarships.   

One special item created some extra hubbub in the auction—an autographed football donated by Spencer Burford, offensive guard of the San Francisco 49ers. Ronny Haynie walked away as the winner of the football with a smile and a photo with Burford, who was a special guest at the event. Burford is the grand-nephew and godchild of Pastor Willie Mae Williams, CEF board member.

Event guests also had the opportunity to try their luck in a bucket raffle to win one of 14 different baskets featuring a variety of items such as a handmade double wedding ring quilt, a record player with vinyl records, an awesome wine basket, and a gorgeous planter filled with thrilling plants dramatically cascading on all sides.

*Photo courtesy of Diane Mueller Photography.