Lamar CISD Community Rallies Behind Students as LEAF Raises More Than $273,000 at Annual 'Surfs Up' Fundraiser
For families in Fulshear and across Lamar CISD, the success of the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation’s annual “Surfs Up” fundraiser represents more than just a memorable evening of community celebration — it represents new opportunities for students, teachers, and classrooms throughout the district.
Despite rainy weather on May 1, approximately 2,400 attendees gathered at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds for the 2026 LEAF fundraiser, helping raise more than $273,000 to support classroom innovation grants and student scholarships across Lamar Consolidated Independent School District.
From campus teams and educators to local businesses, parents, and community leaders, the event reflected the kind of strong local investment that continues to shape one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas.
What the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation Does for Lamar CISD
The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation, commonly known as LEAF, serves as the nonprofit partner supporting Lamar CISD students and educators through fundraising, grants, scholarships, and district-wide educational initiatives.
Over the years, LEAF has helped fund creative classroom programs, technology enhancements, hands-on learning opportunities, and scholarships that directly benefit students preparing for college, careers, and life after graduation.
For growing communities zoned to Lamar CISD, organizations like LEAF often play an important role in helping schools keep pace with increasing enrollment and evolving educational needs. The foundation’s work allows teachers to pursue innovative projects that might otherwise go unfunded while also helping students access higher education opportunities.
Events like “Surfs Up” have become an annual tradition that many families and educators look forward to, not only because of the fundraising impact, but because they bring together every corner of the district around a shared purpose.
Rain Couldn’t Stop the Community Spirit
This year’s Hawaiian-themed celebration transformed the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds into a lively island-inspired gathering complete with tropical décor, colorful attire, luau dancers, and live entertainment.
The evening was emceed by Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy, while Mayor of Fulshear Don McCoy served as auction host alongside auctioneer Clay Kaminski, a local insurance entrepreneur who helped lead one of the night’s biggest highlights — the annual cake auction.
That tradition alone raised more than $105,000.
Thirty-five custom cakes designed by Lamar CISD campuses, departments, and community partners were auctioned throughout the evening, showcasing both creativity and friendly competition among schools and supporters.
The highest bid of the night reached $10,500 for a cake created by the Banks Junior High School team and baked by Cheryl Koteras of Human Resources. Purchased jointly by the Green Track campuses and First Financial Bank, the cake featured layers of brownie, marshmallow, dulce de leche, praline pecans, and chocolate ganache.
“We are always inspired by the way our community comes together for this event,” said Kameela Lewis, Executive Director of LEAF. “‘Surfs Up’ reflects the collaboration, creativity, and generosity that continue to support students and staff across Lamar CISD.”
Throughout the evening, guests also enjoyed live entertainment from The Emotions, helping keep the celebration atmosphere going despite the weather outside.
Local Businesses and Community Partners Continue Investing in Lamar CISD
The event’s success was also driven by strong support from local sponsors and community partners who continue investing in public education throughout Fort Bend County and surrounding communities.
This year’s presenting sponsors included PBK and RockIT Consulting, alongside numerous additional organizations supporting Lamar CISD students and staff.
“Surfs Up brings people together in support of students and staff across Lamar CISD,” said Lorin Pargoud, Managing Senior Principal at PBK and Vice President of LEAF. “It’s exciting to see campuses, community partners, and employees rally around a shared purpose that directly benefits classrooms and scholarship opportunities.”
For residents in Fulshear, the fundraiser serves as another reminder of how closely connected Lamar CISD schools are to the broader community. As neighborhoods continue growing across Fort Bend County, many families view strong public schools as central to community identity, long-term property values, and opportunities for future generations.
What Happens Next
Funds raised during the 2026 “Surfs Up” fundraiser will now be directed toward classroom grants and scholarship opportunities benefiting students and educators throughout Lamar CISD.
As the district continues expanding alongside rapid residential growth in communities like Fulshear, supporters say events like this help ensure students and teachers continue receiving meaningful resources beyond traditional school funding.
More information about the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation, upcoming initiatives, and ways to support Lamar CISD students can be found at the LEAF website.
Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Lamar CISD updates, community events, and local education news impacting families across the area.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.