A goal to help Houston Schools replace decades old, rail-less choir risers was realized this year through funds from the Houston Education Foundation.
A fall cookout to help raise money for other improvements is 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at the Houston Walmart parking lot.
The foundation’s first trivia night this past March in Hiett Gymnasium helped raise a large portion of the amount needed for the risers. Along with other donations from various sources, six new fold and roll choir risers with back rails were purchased. The total was $6,600.
Age and safety were a serious issue with the continued use of the old risers. The modern risers will accommodate students of all ages safely for future school and community performances.
“Our choir risers were very old, dented, bent and did not have a safety rail on the back for the protection of the students,” said HHS choir director Beth Williamson. “Every student in our K-12 system uses the risers at some point during their education here at Houston. New, safe risers were definitely needed.
“It is so rewarding to be in a school and community that can work together through the Houston Education Foundation to ensure the safety and quality of education for our students in times of economic hardship.”
The mission of HEF is to promote educational excellence and opportunity beyond the scope of the Houston school system by generating financial resources from private funds to provide support for educational programs.