Preparing for a sellout event, the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation is currently planning its Valentine weekend gala, Havana Blues held again at the popular and eclectic Hotel ZaZa in Houston.
           Formerly known as The Warwick Hotel, Hotel ZaZa will be the site February 12, 2011 for the tropical Cuban theme complete with a 10 piece band, Shape Shifters.
           Tables have gone on sale at the FISD Foundation website and 1/4 of the tables have sold so far.
           Auction items are being collected for both live and silent events. Once again, Adopt a Grant will be offered after its introduction last year. Teachers and students in FISD are excited to see if their particular grant at their campus sells at the popular event.
           "Gala guests enjoy picking by subject, by campus, by teacher or by innovative idea," Superintendent Trish Hanks said. "We are so fortunate to have such caring community members and parents who attend and want to help the district provide items and programs that our budget cannot afford. Our students benefit and therefore, everyone wins in this type of arrangement. It was very successful last year."
           Due to the large band and the limited size of the ballroom, table space is more limited than in the past.
           "We recommend reserving a table as soon as you know the 10 people who will be seated there," Foundation President Guy Crouch said. "Everyone has a choice of paying in person at the Administration building or going online to the website and using Paypal.  Guests can also wait for the invitations to arrive but with one-fourth of the tables already sold, that might not be the best idea. This is definitely a popular event."
           Tickets are $125 per person or $1250 for a table of 10.
Chairing this year's major fundraiser are Foundation directors CiCi Newkirk, Selena Ellis and Lesley DiBello.
           Website is http://www.fisdk12.net/community/foundation.
           The Friendswood ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) under the direction of a board of directors who volunteer their time to work as a team to benefit all children in FISD.