Are you smarter than a KIPPster? That was the question of the evening at KIPP DFW’s first fundraiser at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, where hundreds of people passionate about education came together for some trivia, fundraising and good old-fashioned fun.
The evening started with a VIP happy hour, when guests got a chance to chat with Andre Agassi. The tennis legend came in from Las Vegas to celebrate with KIPP at this inaugural benefit.
Promptly at 7 o’clock, the school bell rang, which meant it was time for folks to take their seats. Upon finding their table, guests received a fancy lunch box filled with goodies from Central Market. After a scrumptious sandwich, it was time for cookies and milk. Man, do I miss after-school snacks.
During dinner, event chair Lael Brodsky thanked everyone in attendance, including her husband, Peter, who serves as chairman of KIPP DFW. Then it was time for the trivia portion of the evening to begin, and emcee Chris Smith did not disappoint.
The hilarious advertising exec was the perfect choice to lead this light-hearted competition, which ultimately proved that the “celebrity” contestants — including Peter Brodsky, Krys Boyd, Sandra Bond Chapman, Ruben Esquivel, Skip Hollandsworth, Mayor Mike Rawlings, Sen. Royce West and Lucy Wrubel — needed a few refresher courses to outsmart the KIPPsters.
During a brief break from competition, Agassi got up to talk about the important work that KIPP is doing in Dallas. He also explained why he has chosen to devote his life after tennis to building schools for children. Then, during an exciting auction, Agassi agreed to donate two private tennis lessons in Las Vegas, along with a doubles match involving his wife, Steffi Graf. Both packages were snatched up for a cool $50,000 apiece.
As for the competition, the KIPPsters took the win in the lighting round, during which they had 90 seconds to name as many correct state capitals as they could. The final score was 98-75. Way to go, KIPPsters!
KIPP, the Knowledge is Power Program, is a network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory, public charter schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.
Lael Brodsky, Andre Agassi, Luke Brodsky, Peter Brodsky
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company