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Save Your Spot

Presented By:

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.

This year, as we kick off the 40th anniversary of Communities In Schools of Central Texas, Food for Thought will power vital services for 64,000+ students on 120+ campuses across nine Central Texas districts.

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives—and build the next 40 together.

Honorary Co-Chairs

👨‍🍳 Chef Jay Huang
Executive Chef at NÔMADÉ & Lucky Robot. This will be Chef Jay’s 4th year at Food for Thought and his passion for supporting the future of our youth is evident in his past work with CIS, where he has led inspiring cooking classes for Central Texas students during summer programming!

🍣 Chef Julio-Cesar Florez
Chef de Cuisine at Lucky Robot, known for introducing Austin to Nikkei cuisine. With a deep personal connection to CIS (his sister worked with us for over 22 years!), Chef Julio’s passion runs deep!

Food for Thought Committee

  • Co-Chair: Martha Bowles
  • Co-Chair: Virginia Visser
  • Restaurant Lead: Rebecca de Haro
  • Sponsorship Lead: Sara Pilar
  • Event Communication Lead: Kat Griffith
  • Auction Lead: Emily Jung Ayers
  • Olivia Chan
  • Barrett Crosswell
  • Nina Shuvalov
  • Sarah Nist
  • Beth Sims
  • Margaret Dyer

2025 Restaurant Lineup

Taste the best of Austin—one ticket supports thousands of students.

Aba 

Brodies

Eberly 

Ema 

Hestia 

Il Brutto

Intero

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

Kerbey Lane All Day Café

La Popular

Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar

Lucky Robot

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

NÔMADÉ

Parkside

Revue

Serenade Restaurant

Verbena Food & Drink

sway

And More!

The Guest House

VERDAD True Modern Mexican

Ways to get involved

Sponsor

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

Attend

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

Donate

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

Volunteer

Be part of the magic on event night or help in the lead-up. Sign Up to Volunteer.

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

Get Your Tickets!

Don’t wait—save your seat at Austin’s tastiest night.
Grab your tickets now and join us on Thursday, November 6 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater for an evening of chef-crafted bites, music, an inspiring program, and a live auction that fuels student success across Central Texas.
Get My Tickets

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Virginia &

Steve Visser

Matching Sponsor

Graduate School Sponsors

University Sponsors

Community College Sponsors

High School Sponsors

Middle School Sponsors

Elementary School Sponsors