Gala supports students in Kentucky style

Irving—The Irving Schools Foundation (ISF) hosted its 12th Annual Legacy Gala, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas on Nov.1. This year’s “1970s Race for the Roses, Kentucky Derby” theme brought together hundreds of guests for an evening celebrating Irving ISD. 

Some attendees wore vintage-inspired attire and unique hats. A live horse greeted guests at the entrance, adding to the Kentucky Derby atmosphere, while ACA Events created sketches for the attendees to take home. 

Over $520,000 was raised to help support scholarships, classroom grants, innovative teaching ideas, and other initiatives. 

At the Legacy Gala, ISF honored two standout individuals. Jennifer Polansky, Fine Arts Manager at Irving ISD, received the Friend of ISF Award. Through her efforts, Polansky secured grants for theatre equipment, initiated a scholarship for students, and supported field trips, competitions, and opportunities through ISF’s Spark Tank Grant Program.

The Legacy Award went to Dr. Christa Slejko, president of Dallas College North Lake. Dr. Slejko has been instrumental in planning past Legacy Galas and has been an advocate for ISF’s mission.

Since the gala’s inception in 2011, the Legacy Gala has raised more than $4.5 million to support ISF’s programs.

SOURCE Irving Schools Foundation