What are two things Texans love? Barbecue and chocolate, of course. The annual Boots & Bling gala meal was so terrific, it almost distracted from the event’s purpose: This annual fundraiser will fund Tomball Education Foundation’s Innovative Learning Grants program for Tomball Independent School District. Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue provided “The best food ever!” said one volunteer.
In February 2025, Tomball Education Foundation awarded 46 grants, totaling $154,622, to Tomball ISD educators and staff who submitted proposals for inventive, exciting educational projects that benefit Tomball students. One of TEF’s goals is to increase the number of grants available to the schools every year.
Since 2017, Tomball Education Foundation has been a leading supporter of the Tomball Independent School District, providing funding that supplements TISD’s basic budget. TEF’s founders included TISD alumni, area businesses, civic leaders, and parents. The foundation’s goals are to:
- Encourage and recruit community businesses, individuals, and other organizations to partner with TEF in making positive impacts in public school education
- Facilitate and support student achievement and classroom skills development
- Level the educational field for students from low-income households who may not be able to afford supplies and materials
- Provide educational funding beyond traditional public-school budgets
- Reward and incentivize teachers and staff who have visionary ideas for innovative education
TEF emphasizes the need for financial support, but each promotion and campaign provides much more than funding. The organization’s efforts reward students who seek advanced knowledge and extraordinary learning opportunities. TEF can also provide a lifeline for kids who may not have equitable educational foundations.
Boots and Bling is a have-fun and kick-up-your-heels gala that offers businesses and individuals an opportunity to be the force behind Tomball schools’ reputation for academic excellence. The 2025 event was held on November 20 at Majestic Oaks in Tomball.
The Significance of Boots & Bling
TEF’s largest fundraiser is Boots & Bling. Its donors and sponsors support:
- eTrain Celebration – “Nothing succeeds like the appearance of success.” Armed with oversized checks and cheerleading enthusiasm, TEF volunteers travel throughout the school district, awarding Innovative Learning Grants to winning applicants. This boisterous event not only rewards its recipients; it also inspires other teachers and staff to explore innovative learning opportunities.
- State of The District – Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, TISD Superintendent and one of the many reasons Tomball schools were one of Houston Chronicle’s Top Workplaces for 2025. She has inspired a workplace culture that motivates over 3,000 employees to encourage greater personal and academic achievement among students. The 2025 breakfast meeting was April 1. Attendees included TISD employees and parents, Tomball-area residents, community organizations’ representatives, and Tomball taxpayers.
- Stuff The Bus – The first day of school is in August, and TEF ensures all TISD students have the materials and supplies they need for academic success, regardless of socioeconomic status. Throughout the year, TEF continues to provide help for students in need.
TEF’s goals are part of a challenging mission, but thanks to its supporters, Tomball Education Foundation is giving students the tools they need to become confident leaders. This year’s Boots & Bling sponsorships included $10,000 (Diamond), $5,000 (Emerald), $2,500 (Gold), $2,500 (Dinner), $1,500 (Amethyst), and $1,000 (Photo Booth).
FAQs
TEF Innovative Learning Grants for 2025 were distributed among 16 schools in the Tomball Independent School District. There were 46 grants awarded, and the 85 recipients included administrative employees, staff members, and teams, as well as individual teachers. Employees who work at any TISD school are eligible.
There are about 23,256 students (as of October 31, 2025) enrolled in PK-12 classes in Tomball Independent School District. The TISD enrollment growth rate actually dropped for the first time in twelve years; it is about 1.8% (down from 5% for five years). However, the population growth continues at about 4.66% annually, and since the last census, it has increased by almost 30%.
