FRIENDSWOOD – More than 700 supporters gathered for the Friendswood Education Foundation’s annual gala last month, raising a record amount to support programs and teachers in the district.

The Friendswood Education Foundation hosted its 26th annual gala, themed “Serendipity, A Sweet Escape,” on Feb. 28 at the Galveston Island Convention Center.

According to the foundation, the event raised about $550,000, the largest amount in the gala’s history. The money will help fund innovative classroom grants, educator scholarships and other initiatives benefiting students and teachers in the Friendswood Independent School District.

Guests attended a cocktail hour and dinner and participated in live and silent auctions. The event also included the foundation’s first digital paddle raise, allowing attendees to contribute directly to classrooms using their mobile devices.

Foundation leaders said the paddle raise brought in more than $133,000 for the Adopt-A-Grant program, which supports specific classroom projects submitted by educators.

This year, teachers across the district submitted 646 grant requests totaling more than $600,000 for classroom programs and hands-on learning opportunities, according to the foundation.

“Each year, this evening is a reminder of what makes Friendswood so special,” said foundation President Shanna Kirkpatrick. “When our community comes together to support teachers and students, incredible things happen in our classrooms.”

Throughout the evening, guests participated in themed activities, explored Adopt-A-Grant displays created by students from Friendswood High School and bid on auction packages that included school-related experiences.

The gala concluded with guests receiving take-home treats prepared by the school’s culinary arts students.

The event was supported by local businesses and families, including title sponsors The Handy Family and Tannos Development Group LLC.

Since it was founded, the foundation has awarded more than $4.9 million in grants to teachers and students in the district. The organization has also provided more than $78,000 in scholarships to educators for professional development.

The foundation’s mission is to support the district by funding programs and learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional school budget.