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Launch Party Raises Funds for College and Trade School Scholarships

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. 

Event Donors

  • Bob & Mary Jane Schobel
  • Rachel Benjamin
  • Vlasta Korenek
  • Amy & Robert Russell
  • Rhonda & Phillip Garcia
  • Dorothy Fitzgerald
  • Dr. Thomas Hancher
  • Donna & Andy Schobel
  • Lainey Schobel
  • Sharon Roensch
  • Joyce Sablatura
  • Char & Ronny Haynie
  • Johanna Moekel
  • Amy Venghaus
  • Chef Raoul
  • Mia Post
  • Julie & Scott Leopold
  • JoAnn & Kenny Venghaus
  • Spencer Burford
  • Jackie & Chris Arthur
  • Janet & Delton Hollmann
  • Paula Gerik
  • Columbus Physical Therapy
  • James & Becca Edmiston
  • Columbus Chamber of Commerce
  • Stacy Renner / Take Root
  • Diane Mueller/ Diane Mueller Photography
  • Barbara Truchard
  • Silver Barn
  • Alisha Brummett / Journey Stills Photography
  • Kitchen Thyme
  • Shannan Gerik
  • Rachel Post
  • Pastor Willie Mae Williams
  • BelTavolo Pizzeria
  • Christine Feehery
  • Patsy & Sam Hodge
  • Joe Palasota, Hound Song Brewing Co. manager
  • Raven & Travis Kocurek, Hound Song Brewing Co. owners

Auction Winners

  • Ronny and Char Haynie
  • Jason Sweatt
  • Currie Luedecke
  • Rhonda Garcia
  • Kristina Pfughaupt
  • Columbus Physical Therapy
  • Chris & Jackie Arthur
  • Delbert & Janet  Hollmann
  • Patsy & RC Klieman
  • Carla Wiggs
  • Billy Herchek
  • Jane Luedecke
  • Lyndsay Schobel
  • James & Becca Edmiston
  • Heather & Ryan Thomas
  • Jim and Paulina Kearney
  • Rhonda Huskey
  • Dr. Thomas Hancher
  • Lane Thompson
  • Dcn. Andy Nunmaker
  • Patsy and Sam Hodge
  • Dr. Charles and Lori An Gobert
  • Shirley Barfield
  • Sondra Baker
  • John Gammage
  • Jo Lou Parks
  • Barbara Truchard
  • Stacey Hegar

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: September 16, 2026

The Columbus Education Foundation (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors, grant applicants, volunteers, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at www.columbuseducationfoundation.org (the “Site”).

  1. Information We Collect

We collect information that identifies, relates to, or describes you (“Personal Information”) in the following ways:

Information You Provide Directly:
  • Donations: Name, billing address, email address, phone number, and payment information when you donate. (Payment details are handled securely by our third-party payment processors).
  • Scholarships and Grants: Student names, school district affiliation, academic records, contact details, and application materials submitted by students, educators, or parents.
  • Inquiries and Mailing Lists: Name and contact details when you sign up for newsletters, volunteer opportunities, or contact us.
Information Collected Automatically:
  • When you access our Site, our web servers and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) may collect technical data such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited via cookies and tracking technologies.

  1. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to advance our educational mission, including to:

  • Process donations and issue tax receipts.
  • Administer teacher grants, student scholarships, and educational programs.
  • Send organization updates, event invitations, and fundraising appeals (you may opt out at any time).
  • Respond to inquiries and provide supporter service.
  • Maintain and improve the security, functionality, and performance of our Site.

  1. Donor Privacy Commitment

The Columbus Education Foundation, Inc. deeply values the trust of its donors. We will not sell, share, trade, or rent our donors’ personal information or mailing lists with any third party for commercial purposes.

  1. Children’s and Student Privacy (COPPA / FERPA)

Our Site and programs are designed to support local public education. 

We do not knowingly collect personal information online directly from children under the age of 13 without verified parental or legal guardian consent. 

Student scholarship application materials involving minors must be submitted by or with the explicit consent of a parent, legal guardian, or authorized school administrator.

Any educational records received are held in confidence in accordance with applicable student privacy laws.

  1. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell your data. We may disclose personal information only in the following limited circumstances:

  • Service Providers: To vendor partners who assist with website hosting, payment processing, email delivery, and database administration.
  • Legal Requirements: If required to do so by law, court order, or governmental authority, or to defend the legal rights and safety of the Foundation, its community, or others.

  1. Data Security

In compliance with Texas law, we maintain reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no online transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

  1. Your Choices and Opt-Out

  • Email Communications: You can unsubscribe from marketing or promotional emails at any time by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of the email or contacting us directly.
  • Cookies: Most web browsers allow you to modify cookie settings or block cookies entirely through browser preferences.

  1. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to external websites, including school district portals or community partners. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies when leaving our Site.

  1. Contact Us

If you have questions, comments, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, contact us at:

Columbus Education Foundation

PO Box 203
Columbus, TX 78934

Email: info@columbuseducationfoundation.org

Phone: 979-733-2122

Website: www.columbuseducationfoundation.org