The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) brought the Lamar CISD community together for its annual Men Who Cook fundraiser. This time, with a groovy Disco-themed celebration that had guests dancing, dining, and donating in style to support Lamar CISD students and teachers. This year’s event raised more than $200,000, contributing directly to innovative teacher grants, student scholarships, and enrichment programs across the district.  

The event, held at Safari Texas Ranch’s Infinity Ballroom, featured 75 “Celebrity Chefs” who showcased their signature dishes and competed for top honors in the crowd’s favorite “Bite of the Nite” contest. Chef Shane Light, owner of Tight BBQ, earned the top prize.  

His winning dish, Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Elote, was a labor of love. He began preparing it early in the morning. The pork belly took five hours to smoke. Chef Light said he proudly participates in the event every year to support Lamar CISD. 

“My wife retired last year from Lamar CISD. She taught for 30 years,” Chef Light said. “I think Lamar ISD does a lot of great things, and I try to give back to the community and be a part of what they're doing.”  

Bite of the Nite Winners:  

1st Place: Tight BBQ — Shane Light  

• Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Elote

2nd Place: Team Lamar CISD — Creighton Jaster, Michael Semmler & Timothy Bristol  

• Pig Shots, Pudding Shots, and Finger Foods 

3rd Place: Mezcal Mafia — Saul Hernandez, Abram Flores, Robert Palmer & Michael Ramsey  

• Mezcal Margarita and Smoked Beef Cheek 

The night featured groovy photo ops, live music, and both live and silent auctions. Guests bid on items such as custom gift baskets and donated experiences to student-crafted artwork. Both auctions raised approximately $60,000.  

"Big thinking is one of the newest and most exciting values of Lamar CISD, and Men Who Cook is one of the ways we bring that value to life,” LEAF Executive Director Kameela Lewis said. “Through this fundraiser, we invest directly in our innovative grants program, empowering our educators to dream bigger, think creatively, and implement transformative ideas that elevate student learning across the district. When our community shows up for Men Who Cook, they are helping turn bold ideas into real opportunities for our students.”  

This year’s event was made possible by 222 sponsors, local businesses, organizations, and community partners, whose generosity helps bring Men Who Cook to life each year.  

Jason Sweatt of First Financial, Presenting Sponsor, community member, and Lamar CISD graduate, shared his pride in supporting the district.  

"Curtis and I proudly serve the district that helped shape who we are,” Sweatt said. “Our roots run deep here, and we're committed to protecting the families, friends, and educators who make this community home.”  

Lorin Pargoud, Presenting Sponsor for PBK and Vice President of LEAF, emphasized the importance of community support.