2025 Presenting Sponsors:

Virginia &

Steve Visser

Food for Thought, Austin’s premier tasting event and Communities In Schools of Central Texas’ signature fundraiser, brings together chefs, food lovers, and community champions for an unforgettable evening of incredible cuisine, music, and meaningful impact for local students.

Proceeds from Food for Thought help fuel CIS’ mission by providing students with critical support including mental health care, school supplies and basic needs, academic intervention, and college and career guidance so every child has the opportunity to succeed.

2026 Restaurant Partner lineup

More to Come!

Ways to get involved

Be Part of Food for Thought

Every way you participate helps students with the support they need to stay in school and achieve in life.

Sponsor

Align your brand with one of Austin’s premier culinary events while helping students across Central Texas thrive.

BECOME A SPONSOR

Attend

Experience an unforgettable evening of incredible cuisine, music, and meaningful impact.….

BUY TICKETS

Donate

Your gift helps provide students with mental health support, basic needs, and college and career guidance. …..

MAKE A GIFT

Volunteer

Help bring Food for Thought to life through event support, guest experience, and behind-the-scenes magic. …..

VOLUNTEER

Program Details

VIP Welcome Reception

Featured Restaurant Tasting

Program

Live Auction

Closing

A look back at last year’s Food for Thought—a night of music, flavors, and impact.

“Knowing there was someone on campus who cared changed everything. CIS helped me with counseling and college applications and now I’m the first in my family headed to ACC.”

High school senior, Austin ISD

2026 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Virginia & Steve
Visser

Matching Sponsor

Graduate School Sponsors

Community College Sponsors

Edie Rogat &
Cotter Cunningham

Jenna Martin &
Tal Tversky

Lisa & Terry
Galassini

High School Sponsors

Cindy & Harry Zimmerman

Linda & Kennedy Knebel
KPMG LLP
Perry Homes
Martha Bowles & Scott Rainey
Carmine & Steve Salvucci
Laurel & Dudley Simmons
Marti Brunn & Jackie Stafford
Louisa & David Stegmann
Hannah Temple

Elementary School School Sponsors

Henna Chevrolet

2026 Food for Thought Committee

Co-Chairs

Virginia Visser
Martha Bowles

Décor Leads

Lisa Galassini
Sarah Harrod

Committee Members

Restaurant Leads

Emily Ayers
Linda Knebel

CIS Staff

Grace Holland
Samantha Gutierrez
Hallie Gully

Olivia Chan
Barrett Crosswell
Callie Kiser
Lora Ferguson

Nina Seely
Sarah Nist
Sarah Pilar
Carla Willhite

Irene Gallegos
Cynthia McGuineas
Katie Hutchenson
Jenna Glass

Kennedy Knebel
Hannah Harrod