In 2007, the theme of “A Monumental Event” was embraced to spotlight the fifth annual McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament, and it lived up to its billing in more ways than one as tournament officials recently presented a $100,000 check to the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation.

At a special reception honoring tournament volunteers, education foundation and school board members, teachers and tournament sponsors, Pasadena ISD Education Foundation President Randy Perry proudly received the check and thanked the community for its efforts.

“The Pasadena ISD Education Foundation has grown significantly in the last 5 years and most of the credit for that growth belongs to the McDonald's Invitational Basketball Tournament,” Perry said. “Through the efforts of all the sponsors, volunteers, the school district and the community, teachers will be able to provide something special to enhance the education process. This level of contribution will mean more students will be positively affected. I can't think of any other activity that provides more community involvement than this tournament."

The Pasadena ISD Education Foundation provides funds for educational programs and activities, which either have not been funded or have been under-funded by the normal operating budget, allowing teachers to provide innovative instruction that increases student achievement and expands community involvement. To date, the foundation has awarded a total over $500,000 in grants to teachers, and the tournament has served as its primary fundraiser since 2003.

“As the tournament supports the foundation and the foundation supports our schools, the students ultimately benefit from a more rigorous and relevant instructional program,” said Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis. “We are truly grateful for the dedication and commitment many volunteers have demonstrated and are appreciative of their generosity. Everything this tournament does makes a difference in the lives of our students.”

The tournament has grown each year, contributing $260,000 since 2003. McDonald’s became the headline sponsor in 2005, and attendance and the waiting list of quality teams has continuously increased. Establishing itself as one of the premier high school basketball tournaments in the state, this year’s tournament hosted the talents of several of the nation’s top players and the state’s top-ranked teams in a 48-team boys’ division and 32-team girls’ bracket.

“This is more than just a tournament, and we have said that from the beginning,” said tournament chairman Ben Meador. “This is about providing more educational opportunities for our students and showcasing the wonderful city of Pasadena. We couldn’t do this every year without the help of our sponsors and volunteers, and we are very pleased to have met our $100,000 goal this year with their help. It has made believers of us all, and we are going to continue to make this event the best it can be.”