2025 Presenting Sponsors:

Virginia &

Steve Visser

About

Food for Thought, Austin’s premier tasting event and CIS of Central Texas’ signature fundraiser, brings together chefs, foodies, and education champions for an unforgettable night of fine cuisine, live music, and life-changing impact for local students. Food for Thought fuels CIS’ mission: surrounding students with on-campus support—mental health care, basic needs, and college and career guidance—so every child has the chance to succeed.

2026 Restaurant Partner lineup

More to Come!

Ways to get involved

Sponsor

Align your brand with a beloved Austin event and help unlock student potential across Central Texas.

Attend

Come taste Austin—with exclusive bites from top restaurants and a program that inspires.

Donate

Can’t attend? Your gift still fuels basic needs, mental health services, and guidance that changes lives.

Volunteer

Be part of the magic on event night or help in the lead-up. 

Program Details

VIP Welcome Reception

Featured Restaurant Tasting

Program

Live Auction

Closing

How Your Support Helps

Your generosity provides:

  • School supplies & basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene items)

  • Mental health & counseling support

  • Emergency assistance for families

  • College, career & post-secondary guidance

  • Caring adults on campus—CIS site coordinators who show up in the moments that matter most.

Impact at a glance: CIS surrounds students with a community of support on more than 120 campuses across Austin ISD, Elgin ISD, Hays CISD, Lockhart ISD, Manor ISD, San Marcos CISD, Taylor ISD, Del Valle ISD and Harmony Public Schools.

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

2025 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Virginia &

Steve Visser

Matching Sponsor

Graduate School Sponsors

University Sponsors

Community College Sponsors

High School Sponsors

Elementary School Sponsors

2026 Food for Thought Committee

  • Emily Ayers
  • Martha Bowles
  • Marti Brunn
  • Olivia Chan
  • Barrett Crosswell
  • Julie Dyszkiewicz
  • Hallie Gully
  • Lisa Galassini
  • Lora Ferguson
  • Irene Gallegos
  • Jenna Glass
  • Samantha Guiterrez
  • Sarah Harrod
  • Hannah Harrod
  • Grace Holland
  • Katie Hutchenson
  • Callie Kiser
  • Linda Knebel
  • Kennedy Knebel
  • Megan Lama
  • Mollie Malovoz
  • Cynthia McGuineas
  • Sarah Nist
  • Cheyenne Petrelli
  • Sarah Pilar
  • Nina Seely
  • Virginia Visser
  • Carla Wilhitte