{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"MISD Education Foundation - Tiffany Ortiz","description":"Montgomery Athletics Show 091326 Season 2, Episode 6 MISD Education Foundation - Tiffany Ortiz Coaches, Booster Clubs - want your own coaches show that works as a fundraiser for your program? CLICK HERE In this episode of The MISD Athletics Show, host Chris Doelle interviews Tiffany Ortiz, Executive Director of the Montgomery ISD Education Foundation. Tiffany discusses the history, mission, and growth of the Foundation, which was created in 2014 to bridge funding gaps and enrich educational opportunities across Montgomery ISD. She shares details on the Foundation's $145,000 grant cycle, its three signature annual fundraising events, and the community traditions surrounding the MoTown Showdown rivalry week. Key Topics & Timestamps [00:00] \u2013 Mission & History of the Foundation \u2022 Executive Director Tiffany Ortiz has served in her role since 2021, building on the non-profit's inception in 2014 by community servant leaders. \u2022 The Foundation was established following state legislation to fill funding gaps and provide innovative classroom resources that state funding does not cover. \u2022 While traditional booster clubs focus on specific athletic programs, the Education Foundation supports the entire student body across all campuses and disciplines. [02:15] \u2013 Classroom Grants & The "Grant Express" \u2022 The Foundation is awarding $145,000 to Montgomery ISD educators this school year, continuing a steady trajectory from $100,000 two years ago and $125,000 last year. \u2022 Grant applications are currently open for all Montgomery ISD teachers through early December at https:\/\/montgomeryisdef.org\/. \u2022 In January 2027, board members will ride a school bus for the Grant Express, visiting every campus in the district to surprise teachers with oversized grant checks. [04:30] \u2013 Three Signature Annual Fundraisers \u2022 Victory Breakfast: Takes place Monday, September 14th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, featuring a "State of the District" address by Superintendent Dr. Ruffin and catering from Barbecue. Co-chaired by Angela Storseth-Cooper, and Sarah Ray, the event debuts a new MISD Coaches Panel moderated by Athletic Director Brad LaPlante. \u2022 Annual Golf Tournament: Hosted each October at April Sound Country Club, bringing together 40 community teams. \u2022 Annual Soir\u00e9e: The Foundation\u2019s largest event, set for Saturday, February 20, 2027, at the Margaritaville Conference Center for 600 attendees. Features live and silent auctions, including last year's MoTown Showdown coin toss auction that raised $17,000. [07:15] \u2013 MoTown Showdown Rivalry Week Initiatives \u2022 Over 10,000 spectators are expected on Friday, September 18th as the 3\u20130 Montgomery Bears take on the 3\u20130 Lake Creek Lions. \u2022 PB&J Drive: Students from both high schools unite during rivalry week to collect peanut butter and jelly for the Montgomery County Food Bank. \u2022 Chick-fil-A Partnership: Local drive-thrus donate a portion of sales during rivalry week when customers mention "Go Bears" or "Go Lions". \u2022 Custom Spirit Merchandise: Partnering with local vendor Team Spirit, Inc. to offer customized 3D UV decals, cowbells, clear bags, nail decals, and tumblers on both sides of the stadium. [10:30] \u2013 Community Unity & Getting Involved \u2022 Tiffany reflects on being a Montgomery High alumnus whose children will attend Lake Creek, highlighting the district's unified spirit across both feeder patterns. \u2022 Community members and local businesses can visit https:\/\/montgomeryisdef.org\/ to apply for grants, register golf teams, join subcommittees, or make donations. Notable Quotes "While booster clubs focus on athletics primarily, the Education Foundation as a whole, we focus on the entire student." \u2014 Tiffany Ortiz "Our board is extremely motivated and they take our tagline, 'Fueling Extraordinary Education,' extremely serious this year. We're making waves and getting ready to write $145,000 worth of big checks." \u2014 Tiffany Ortiz "One thing about Montgomery and Montgomery ISD that's truly special is that it brings everyone together." \u2014 Tiffany Ortiz Resources & Links Mentioned \u2022 Official Website: https:\/\/montgomeryisdef.org\/ brought to you by Call the fan feedback line 713-568-6361 and let us hear what you have to say! ","author_name":"Lone Star Gridiron","author_url":"http:\/\/www.lonestargridiron.com","html":"