The 18th annual H.E.B. Celebrity Cookoff event in Waco, Texas, has made history by raising more than $170,000 for Waco ISD classrooms. This is the highest amount ever raised in the event’s 18-year history, making it a record-setting success. The Waco ISD Education Foundation hosted the event, which had 32 teams of “celebrity” chefs representing businesses and organizations from across the Waco and Central Texas area.
Attendees of the event enjoyed a fun and competitive atmosphere while sampling delicious dishes that included appetizers, main courses, and desserts. All of the funds raised from the event will go directly to the Waco ISD Education Foundation and back into classrooms to support and fund grants for teachers.
Waco ISD Education Foundation Chair Taylor Bledsoe expressed her gratitude for the hard work of the committee members and thanked all of the partners and chefs who generously gave of their time and resources to make the event a success. “It is exciting to watch the community at large give so generously to help support our teachers and students,” she said.
Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon also expressed her joy at what the funds represent for Waco ISD classrooms. “Our teachers and kids deserve the fun, innovative learning experiences that will now be possible,” she said. “It means so much to see the community and foundation show up in such a big way for Waco ISD.”
This record-setting year is also a fitting finale for Bruce Gietzen, who will be stepping down as Co-Chair of the H.E.B Celebrity Cookoff after 18 years of service. Gietzen’s leadership and dedication to this event have helped the Waco ISD Education Foundation raise over $1.67 million dollars through the years.
Central Texas Reporter 