Gatsby is the name and supporting education is the game at the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) Gala, 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Dr, Leander, TX 78641.

The 1920s-themed event supports Leander ISD schools by raising funds to enrich the educational experience through student innovation, teacher empowerment, mental health and college/career readiness. Tickets are $175 each and include music, dinner, interactive games, silent and live auctions and a campus competition for cash.

LEEF was founded in 2007 to provide additional funds to meet the needs of Leander ISD students and staff. The three main initiatives funded by the non-profit include 

Foundations for Learning which focuses on early literacy, Enriching Great Teaching through innovative teaching grants and professional development and College & Career Readiness to build a college- and career-ready culture among all students.

Through LEEF, students in need are provided with AP exam, dual credit textbook and LISD scholarships. College coaches are funded at each high school campus. Project graduation, reading initiatives, fine arts and programs such as INCubatoredu are supported.

Last fall, the LEEF Grant Patrol awarded 21 different grants totaling $10,300 to 17 LISD campuses/departments. The grants funded professional development opportunities for Leander ISD staff, counseling resources, Makerspace/STEM initiatives, books and more.

We are proud that our young Bryson residents attend LISD schools — including North Elementary in Bryson — that are backed by the outstanding support LEEF provides. If you can’t make the gala, we encourage you to make a donation today.