If the Lake Travis Independent School District community were to gaze into its Crystal Ball on Saturday night, it would see a brighter future for its students.

The Lake Travis Education Foundation will celebrate its 25th anniversary with the annual Crystal Ball gala from 6 p.m.-midnight at Renaissance Austin Hotel’s grand ballroom.
LTEF’s galas raise funds for student scholarships and teacher grants. Last year’s gala netted $148,166, and previous galas have generated up to $225,000.
The foundation has used proceeds to purchase reading materials, English-Spanish translator devices, a trailer for the high school’s agriculture department, a band truck, rugs for kindergarten classes, sporting equipment for PE classes and more.
“Pretty much every child in the district is affected by these funds,” gala chairwoman Valerie Gilmore said.
The evening will feature a plated dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions. The Spazmatics will get the dance floor hopping to ‘80s classics.
“Since it’s our 25th anniversary, it was only fitting that we had an ‘80s band performing,” LTEF Executive Director Paula Baczewski said.
“There’s something for everybody. You can shop, eat, drink, and dance all at once,” Gilmore said.
Auction items include a visit from Lake Travis Fire Rescue’s Fire Engine and crew for a child’s birthday party, a fajita party for 40 on a two-level party boat and a dinner for 10 children to eat a pre-game meal with the
LTHS Cavalier Varsity Football Team. The winning bidder of the dinner also receives a helmet autographed by the 2009 4A Division I State Championship team. Other items include a full set of orthodontic braces, hunts, safaris, getaways and autographed sports memorabilia of University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and professional tennis player Andy Roddick.
As of press time, reserved tables and general seating tickets were still available through the LTEF web site at www.laketraviseducationfoundation.org. Rough Hollow and Tuscan Village developments are the gala’s presenting sponsors.
Organizers for this year’s event say proceeds benefit not only students and teachers but also the entire community.
“Come out and support our schools. There’s no better money being spent,” Gilmore said.