On Saturday, April 10, 2021, close to 330 guests came together in support of our school’s annual Stars Over TMI gala & auction. This year’s event theme, Celebrating the Best and the Brightest, paid tribute to the incredible people, mission, and highlights at TMI during this extraordinary year.
Since 1995, TMI volunteers and staff have worked together every year to create an unforgettable evening of fine food, auction, raffle and music. Proceeds from Stars Over TMI, our school’s largest fundraising event, benefit our annual giving program that supports academics and student activities, professional development, technology, campus beautification projects, classroom improvements, and more.
Members of the Texas Military Institute Corps of Cadets escorted guests into the grand and luxurious San Antonio Ballroom at the La Cantera Resort & Spa, a beautiful space overlooking the La Cantera golf course. As guests mixed and mingled during the cocktail hour, they were serenaded by the lovely sounds of live music performed by guitarist, Sarmad Al-Haddad. While beverage stations; a selfie photo booth; and auction displays that highlighted this year’s amazing class experiences, Stars Select items and live auction packages, adorned the cocktail area, other décor that set the mood for the evening included a prominent exhibit that featured photos and bios of some of TMI’s best & brightest alumni.
In attendance were several alumni, including Auctioneer James Willmann ’96, Don Elliott, ’63, Ted Wu ’63, Joe Kelly Hughes ’63, Robert Liddell ’63, Rob Eversberg ’63, Alexis Fawn Porter ’06, Chris Rodie ’03, Vaughn Villarreal ’03, Kim Brooks ’03, April Smith ’03, Adam and Crista Reed ’03, Neve Belle ’04, Ryan Kohnen ’98, and Megan Daughtry ’06. Also in attendance were several of TMI’s faculty and staff, including our very own emcee for the evening, retired Army Major Joseph Claburn, Commandant of Cadets.
During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and fellowship as they also kept special attention to mobile bidding taking place online during the Stars Select Auction, which highlighted priceless autographed San Antonio Spurs memorabilia and a handmade stained glass TMI shield created by TMI teacher and parent, Mark Harrison, and his son Nathan ’21. Plus let’s not forget those incredible class experience packages that were generously donated by parents from every grade level, which–once again–were a big success!
The dinner and program opened with the presentation of colors by the TMI Corps of Cadets and national anthem performed by TMI faculty member, Mark Philippi. Celebrity Lea Thompson made a quick appearance via video welcoming guests and giving a special shout out to Stars Chairs, Chuck and Lisa Harthan & Steven and Alissa Moya. As guests enjoyed a delicious menu, the program continued with a fun game of Heads or Tails that challenged participants on TMI trivia, Stars Over TMI trivia, and Celebrity “stars” trivia. The night continued with an entertaining and amazing live and spot auction, plus a raffle presented by Tiffany & Co. Congratulations to raffle winners Kelly Oyer Peterson and Ramiro Cavazos.
The event ended with a live performance from local artist, Melissa Briseno, to the song, “Simply the Best,” by Tina Turner, as over 1,000 orange and black balloons cascaded from the ceiling upon the stage as a grand finale.
With support from our community, we raised important funds for our school through Stars over TMI. Proceeds of close to $239,000 from Tiffany & Co. Raffle, Tickets, Sponsorships, Underwriting, Silent and Live Auctions will go toward annual giving, while $150,000 raised during the Fund-A-Need Spot Auction will go toward Phase 1 of TMI’s new Panther Park. Our heartfelt thanks goes to the Omiridis Family for making a $200,000 matching gift to Phase 2 of this important project. Andy and Patti Omiridis are making this gift in honor of and in memory of their fathers, Michael Cannon and Peter Omiridis.
Panther Park will be an outdoor recreational complex behind Ayres Hall that will be a place for our community to learn and come together. Panther Park will offer our students shade and seating during drop off and pick up; a flexible space for all students during lunch, recess, and for outdoor learning; park benches; sport courts; pickleball area; and a space where students can relax, play, collaborate, and live into what our TMI community is.
Donate here toward Panther Park
Thank you so much to Event Chairs, Charles & Lisa Harthan and Steven & Alissa Moya, and to the entire Stars Committee for their countless hours, hard work, and dedication in making this year’s Stars Over TMI an unforgettable night. Because of our amazing volunteers and generous supporters, the event was a HUGE success. TMI Family & Friends, you are Simply the Best!
Click the special video below to view highlights from 2021 Stars Over TMI
View the photo gallery courtesy of Photography by Natalie here
Save the Date!
Stars Over TMI gala and auction
Saturday, April 30, 2022
at La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio, TX.
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