Non-Profit

CFEF Hosts 14th Annual Salute to Our Heroes Gala

October 28 2022

The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation honored our military and first responders at our 14th annual Salute to Our Heroes Gala on October 22 at the Hyatt Regency Houston West. The gala is one of five fundraising events the Foundation hosts each year to raise money for scholarships awarded to students graduating from Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

HCA Houston Healthcare - North Cypress has been underwriting this event since 2018. This year they were joined by major sponsors - R-Zero; The Howard Hughes Corporation; Station & Ayers Insurance Services & Consulting, LLC; CTG, INC.; Helping a Hero; Memorial Hermann Cypress; Big Mac’s Auto Sales and Community Impact - to celebrate the men and women who serve to protect our freedoms and liberty.

The evening began with a Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem, and a Missing Man Ceremony followed by TAPS to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Cypress Woods AFJROTC, Cypress Park Chamber Choir, and Caleb Cole from Cypress Woods High School performed these honors.

The highlight of the evening was our guest speaker U.S. Army (Ret) SPC JP Lane. A Purple Heart recipient, Lane shared his journey from suffering life-changing injuries - losing both legs in an IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) explosion, to finding a way to continue fulfilling his desire to serve and protect the American people. Lane promotes post-traumatic growth in civilians, veterans, and active-duty troops across the country through his inspirational talks and mindset of “Never Give Up, Never Surrender.” His has been a journey of faith, determination, and love of life.

Guest speaker SGT JP Lane, U.S. Army (Ret)

Salute to Our Heroes has been awarding the 1^st Lieutenant Jeremy Ray Community Service and Peace Award for the past 13 years. The award is given to a community member, organization or company which best personifies community service, service to our armed forces and/or promotes peace. This year’s recipient was a former combat medic who served four and a half years active service. After his honorable discharge, he focused on supporting veterans as they transitioned back to civilian life, spear heading numerous initiatives in support of veterans, including employment, education, homelessness, and support services. The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation was proud to award this year’s recipient - Timothy Stroud. Jeremy Ray’s family presented this award to Stroud.

Justin Ray (Left) presenting Tim Stroud (right) with the 1^st Lieutenant Jeremy Ray Community Service and Peace Award

In attendance for this year’s gala was a special group of veterans, members of the Scout Platoon. Collectively, they conducted more than 100 missions in one of the hottest districts in Afghanistan, had more than 22 deployments, and 3 purple hearts among them. They chose Salute to Our Heroes for their annual weekend get-together flying in from all over the country to attend this event at the invitation of one of our sponsors. We were honored to recognize them with all our military – those serving and those who have served, and first responders in attendance.

Gala patrons were invited to participate in a silent auction, bid board, and live auction. Bree The Mural Girl painted her 7^thcommemorative painting for Salute to Our Heroes. This one-of-a-kind canvas was included in the live auction. Overall, the evening raised almost $120,000 for student scholarships.

JP Lane (Left) and Bree The Mural Girl (Right) presenting the commemorative picture painted during the Salute to Our Heroes gala.

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CFEF Hosts 14th Annual Salute to Our Heroes Gala

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