Taylor Swift keepsake helps raise record-breaking $1.75M at glittering HCCS gala

In April 2024, the Houston Classical Charter School (HCCS) hosted its second annual Foundational Dinner at The Goodman, attracting 260 guests and raising a record-breaking $1.75 million to support the expansion of its Alief campus. The event featured a live auction with notable items such as a signed Taylor Swift guitar accompanied by two tickets to her New Orleans concert, a trip for 17 to Villa Alexa in Puerto Vallarta, and a Hill Country getaway with a James Beard-nominated chef. Generous contributions from supporters, including matching gifts up to $200,000 from Mark Gregg, founder of KiwiEnergy, and Joe Greenberg, CEO of Alta Resources, significantly boosted the fundraising efforts. HCCS currently offers free education to students from Pre-K through 5th grade, with plans to expand through 8th grade, aiming to serve families in which over 80% live below the poverty line. Founder Deyvis Salazar emphasized the school’s commitment to maintaining close connections with each child and family as it grows.