BY CHARLES McCLURE
news@ltview.com
The Lake Travis Education Foundation’s annual Crystal Ball gala is the hottest ticket around this time of year. This season was no different as the as the fundraiser made its return to the Renaissance Austin Hotel at the Arboretum last Saturday.

 Entertained by the “House Band,” Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes, party-goes enjoyed the evening, but also displayed the generousity that has made the gala such a hit.
For Jodi Gregg, President of LTEF, the event was a complete success.
“We’re absolutely thrilled about the success of our Crystal Ball this year,” Gregg said. “So many people in the community came together to support education for all the students in the Lake Travis Independent School District. The Foundation would like to thank everyone involved.”
And there should be plenty of reasons why teachers will be smiling when the “Prize Patrol,” the LTEF group that goes to the various Lake Travis Independent School District campuses to award grants, makes its annual rounds next May.
In addition to ticket sales, underwriting and sponsorships, LTEF’s silent and live auctions drew generous bids throughout the evening. Meanwhile, because those bids benefit the non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, contributions are tax deductible, and donors receive statements for tax purposes.
It will all culminate in the annual Prize Patrol next May. Last year, the Prize Patrol surprised teachers with more than $217,000 in grant funding.
According to its Web site [www.laketraviseducationfoundation.com], LTEF supports LTISD educational projects and programs through grants and scholarships awards to exemplary Lake Travis High School seniors. It also manages a “special care” fund which provides financial assistance for the direct physical improvement of students who are otherwise unable to afford a recommended procedure.
The Directors of the Lake Travis Education Foundation encourage all members of the community to make a direct impact on the future of children throughout the school district by partnering with LTEF.
Established in 1985, the Foundation has supported our schools with more than $1.75 million in grants and scholarships. According ot LTEF’s Paula Baczewski, the Foundation depends on the generosity of the community to continue its work.