Lamar Educational Awards Foundation Raises Over $180,000 at 2025 ‘Golf Fore Greatness’ Tournament
The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) once again brought together community, cause, and competition under sunny Texas skies during its ninth annual “Golf Fore Greatness” tournament on Thursday, November 13 at Black Hawk Country Club in Richmond. The sold-out event raised more than $180,000, all in support of Lamar CISD teachers, students, and schools.
With participation from nearly 50 business sponsors and community organizations, the 2025 tournament served as a powerful testament to Fort Bend County’s ongoing commitment to public education. The event featured a full day of activities including a pre-round reception, putting green clinics hosted by Lamar CISD student golfers, and a spirited morning launch kicked off by the Fulshear High School Drumline and cheerleaders from across the district. Participants were welcomed by Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens, who expressed gratitude for the growing network of community support.
“Each year, we gather for our LEAF golf tournament, and each year, I’m amazed at the generous support of our donors and district partners,” Dr. Nivens shared. “Their partnership has been a vital part of the district’s continued success, and with the passage of our 2025 bond propositions, the work continues.”
The day concluded with lunch, a raffle, and live auction — all contributing to the record-breaking fundraising total. Proceeds will directly fund teacher innovation grants, scholarships, and district-wide programming that elevates learning across Lamar Consolidated Independent School District.
Investing in Innovation Across Lamar CISD
Founded in 2000, the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has awarded more than $6 million in classroom grants and student scholarships over the past 25 years. The foundation supports initiatives like STEAM Camp, Girls on the Run, Camp Connect, New Teacher Dinners, Family Connect programs, and Special Needs Prom — all aimed at enriching student learning and educator success across Lamar CISD schools.
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This year's tournament comes at a critical time as the district experiences continued enrollment growth across Rosenberg, Richmond, Fulshear, and surrounding areas. Executive Director Kameela Lewis emphasized the dual purpose of the event: generating much-needed resources for classrooms and strengthening partnerships between schools and local businesses.
“Our community continues to show up for our students in remarkable ways,” said Lewis. “As Lamar CISD grows, so does the need for strong partnerships that help us meet the moment. The investments made through this tournament will have a lasting impact in classrooms across the district.”
Community Champions and Generational Impact
Rice & Gardner served as the 2025 Presenting Sponsor, with Stantec sponsoring the tournament’s after-party. Rice & Gardner President Jim Rice — a long-time supporter and tournament participant — spoke to the lasting value of public support for education.
“We had a really great crowd, very energetic,” Rice said. “They showed their support of public education by participating in this tournament – and by participating in the live and silent auctions – and that's really what we need, is public support of public education. It's something we do for the future.”
For many involved, the mission is also personal. LEAF Board Member Lorin Pargoud, who comes from a family of educators, shared the deeper meaning behind his involvement with the foundation.
“I'm a product of two educators, and I have a daughter that's an educator, so I hear the struggle that they have,” said Pargoud. “Being able to help raise money to be able to provide those grants for teachers is exciting for me.”
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Top Teams and Tournament Standouts
This year’s top three teams included:
- 1st Place: Colliers
- 2nd Place: ImageNet
- 3rd Place: Envirotech Mechanical Systems LLC
As Lamar CISD continues to grow, so does the importance of community-driven efforts like Golf Fore Greatness. With more than $180,000 raised in just one day, the 2025 tournament reaffirms what’s possible when a community comes together for a cause greater than the game — investing in the future of education in Fort Bend County.
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.
