When Katy lost Chris Saiz, a very special high school student and talented basketball player in December of 2011, family friends suggested to his parents starting a foundation named after him to help students like him achieve their dreams of continuing their education.
Now, two years later, the foundation has awarded 11 scholarships to graduating seniors in the Katy and greater Houston area and has organized two basketball showcases to get unsigned high school players in front of college coaches.
The 2nd Annual Chris Saiz Point the Way Foundation Charity Golf Tournament, held on September 30 at the River Ridge Golf Club in Sealy, demonstrated the non-profit’s resolve to grow the foundation into a mechanism to reach more students, and also the community’s generous support to make sure that happens.
“We are overwhelmed again this year with the level of support,” says Michael Saiz, president of the CSPTW Foundation, and father to son, Chris. “What we have been able to do with the foundation in such a short time is a true testament to that support and it means the world to our family.”
Over 130 golfers came out on a day that was supposed to be rainy, only to find that the clouds went around the golf course for perfect golfing weather.
Sammy’s Mexican Kitchen provided a sit down dinner, while Which Wich delighted with box lunches and Stadia and U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt donated wonderful refreshments.
After an exciting live auction, with former NBA player Dirk Minniefield at the helm, guests enjoyed a beautiful cake by Katy’s favorite baker, Vanessa O’Donnell of Ooh La La Dessert Boutique.
‘It was a wonderful event,” says Magda Saiz, mother of Chris Saiz. She was on hand to visit with guests and sponsors and to show her appreciation for the bevy of supporters. “I was driving by Tradition Bank on the Grand Parkway and saw my son’s name up on the marquee. It’s things like this that make Katy a very special place.”
The Chris Saiz Point the Way Foundation would also like to recognize family, friends, and neighbors that have supported the golf tournament and foundation efforts, as well as local businesses Chicken Express, La Bella Vita Imports, AlphaGraphics, and Powerade.
In addition, the National Charity League Lady Bird Chapter generously gave of their time to help with volunteer positions.