Friends of West University Parks- Fathers & Flashlights 19th Annual Fundraiser Celebrates Another Year of Treasured Memories
- Friends of West University Parks
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
CONTACT: Sarah Covington, Board Member & Public Relations Contact, sarahlcovington@gmail.com; Donna LaMond, Executive Director, dlamond@westutx.gov; Sami Morrison, Chairman of the Board, sami.morrison@gmail.com
West University Place – November 20, 2025 – On November 7th & 8th, our neighborhood’s most beloved annual campout was held as families gathered for the 2025 annual Fathers & Flashlights on the fields surrounding West University Elementary School. In attendance were 500 children, 256 camping parents and 261 volunteer parents helping to execute the event. The weather was wonderful with a warm and sunny afternoon on Saturday, clear evening and crisp Sunday morning for departure.
Friends of West U Parks would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the co-chairs of this event, Angela Androphy, Kelly Hill and Deanna McQuade for tirelessly organizing another successful campout fundraiser. The event raised over $200,000 for our neighborhood parks. Androphy, Hill and McQuade shared, “It was a privilege to help organize the 19th annual Fathers and Flashlights fundraiser for Friends of West University Parks. We were gifted with perfect weather, and the energy throughout the event was unmistakable as children moved excitedly from one activity to the next with their dads and friends. We are deeply grateful to live in a community where traditions like this continue to thrive year after year.”
There was endless entertainment as the children enjoyed tie dying, face painting, exotic animals, a rock wall, the always popular Kid Fish, inflatables, snow cones, dancing with DJ Kara and an evening under the stars with magician, Bud Kula. Dinner was a scrumptious feast with items from The Pit Room, La Fresca Pizza, Little Matt’s, Chick-fil-A and more. Neighborhood favorite Tiny’s Milk & Cookies donated their famous chocolate chip cookies for dessert as “Lilo & Stitch” was shown on the big screen under the stars. Sunday’s breakfast included drinks from Starbucks and Hungry’s, as well as food from Donut NV, Three Brothers Bakery and Skeeter’s.
This top-notch occasion would not have been possible without our generous underwriters and sponsors. A special thanks to our returning “Camp Founder” title sponsor of the event, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Additionally, we would like to thank the following sponsors: Gibson Dunn, Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics by Dr. Julia Longoria and Dr. Stephen Chen, H-E-B, Kirkland & Ellis, Texas Prime Insurance, Lexi Sakowitz Marek with Compass, Elizabeth Borski with Old Republic Title and Maggie Garza with Compass.
For a complete listing of Fathers & Flashlights underwriters, sponsors, and in-kind donors, please visit westuparks.org. We are grateful to the West U Parks and Recreation Department, West U Elementary School, The West U Police Department and our many volunteers for their tremendous support.
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The Friends of West University Parks Fund is a volunteer based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds for the renovation, development and improvement of parks and green spaces in the neighborhood parks of the City of West University Place. The board is appointed by City Council and raises money through foundation grants, citizens’ bequests, memorials, special events and various other programs and events including partnerships with local businesses.