KARE – after caring for retired educators in the Katy area since 2000 – celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 12 at the Professional Development Center at Katy ISD, at 6301 S. Stadium Lane in Katy with a capacity crowd and an impressive lineup of dignitaries.

Since its inception, the Katy Area Retired Educators (KARE) has worked to support the community by advocating for retiree benefits and building bonds among those who had a career in education. The group is more than just a social club – it is a powerful force in the Katy community, funding scholarships, organizing book drives, hosting candidate forums and advocating for legislative support for educators, among other achievements.

State Representative Michael Schofield commended the organization for its 76,000 hours of volunteer service last year and for its continued legislative advocacy. “There are a number of instances in which you have made a difference,” he said, citing examples of activism that has prevented proposed hikes for health insurance premiums and creation of COLA benefit adjustments for retirees.

Texas Retired Teachers Association Executive Director Tim Lee also lauded the group’s advocacy efforts, which he said included the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Offset in early 2025.

“KARE remains a powerful force for good,” said City of Katy Mayor Dusty Thiele, who presented the organization with an official letter of recognition, acknowledging the group’s contributions to area scholarships as well as its advocacy.

Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski thanked KARE members for their many contributions to the district, including serving on bond committees, involvement in the district’s strategic plan and serving as substitute teachers, and also praised the organization for its advocacy efforts at the state level.

TRTA District 4 President Sheila Wolf also spoke. Katy ISD Board President Lance Redmon was unable to attend the ceremony.

Past KARE presidents also shared memories of the organization’s early days as well as its many accomplishments through the years. Current President Cheryl Glasser outlined plans for the next year, including the goal of growing the organization to 350 members.

Attendees were treated to a special performance from the Katy High School Vocal Ensemble as well as a video retrospective of the organization’s history.

The Katy Area Retired Educators group was founded on November 10, 2000, with just 16 members. Patrica Sanders served as Temporary Chairman, and other original founding members included Marilyn McPhillips, Ed Pepper, Ann O’Donnel, Fran Quitzau, Joanne Pepper, Bethany Price, Patricia Kight and Dolores Hattox. The first group of officers included John Cameron, president; Bob Montgomery, president elect; Patty Sanders, first vice president; Allen Lewis, second vice president; Fran Quitzau, secretary; and Carl Pride, Treasurer.

Following Cameron, the organization was led by: Bob Montgomery, 2001-2002; Patty Sanders, 2002-2003; Patty Sanders and Freddye Kelly, 2002-2003; Freddye Kelly, 2004-2007; Luanne Zacek and Ann Hoar, 2007-2008; Norene Lueders, 2009-2010; Luanne Zacek, 2010-2011/2008-2009; Betty Jo Watts, 1011-2013; Elysce Garrison, 2013-2015; Karen Thornton, 2015-2017; Gerald Young, 2017-2019; Earlene Hopkins, 2019-2022; and Marsha Smith, 2022-2024.