Western Night

Boots, brisket, and big hearts fuel CIS Houston fundraiser

A crowd of Houston philanthropists swapped cocktail attire for cowboy hats at the third annual Brighter Futures BBQ benefiting Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS). The Western-themed gathering leaned into Lone Star charm.

Community in Schools Houston Brighter Futures BBQ 2026

Photo by Henrich Perez

Ellie Alban and Ellie Monday.

The barbecue spread? Let’s just say it could make even the most disciplined diners circle back for seconds.

Held at The Pit Room in Memorial City, the evening was chaired by Jen Espey and Jen Moss, who helped corral the festive crowd into a spirited show of support for students facing barriers both inside and outside the classroom.

Jackson Womack, wellness counselor at Memorial High School in Spring Branch ISD, shared that roughly 3,000 students have visited the campus CIS office for help with issues such as anxiety, depression, and grief, noting the importance of partnerships with organizations like Memorial Hermann and DePelchin.

At Collins Elementary in Alief ISD, Mayte Yost explained that housing instability and food insecurity are among the challenges affecting students and families. Meanwhile, Melody Hall, student support manager at Stratford High School in Spring Branch ISD, highlighted how food insecurity, mental health needs, and family responsibilities can impact attendance and academic success.

Thanks to the generosity of The Pit Room owners David Sambrooks, Laine Sambrooks, and Michael Sambrooks, proceeds from all meals purchased at The Pit Room’s Montrose location on the day of the event were donated to CIS.

Thanks to the 110 event guests, the organization raised $100,000 to continue serving students across 147 campuses in Greater Houston.

Rounding up support for the cause were Adrian Anderson, Jen Espey, Brian Salazar, Krystol Wheeler, Lin Espey, Brian Moss, Lisa Sambrooks, Courtney and Meadows, Robin and Greg Nunez, Fatima and Tim Parker, Jan and David Redford, Dinah and Will Huthnance, Mallory and James Shaddix, Lisa and Greg Westerman, Mary Lee and Richard Wilkens, Melissa and Bill Moss, Minda and Bill Caesar, Jenny and Niko Lorentzatos, Diane and Andrew Ralston, Heather Braniff, Ellie Monday, Ellie Alban, and Sharon Yacob.

fundraisers barbecue

Exploring Texas

Texas' new, 4,871-acre state park is now open to the public

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1.

Outdoor adventurers are able to hike, fish, camp, and explore Texas' first new state park in 25 years.

Open since March 1, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about five hours from Houston).

According to a release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," says Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

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