Houston Texans cornerback Jason Simmons surprised some Pasadena ISD elementary school students recently as part of a reward for their efforts in the Education Foundation’s annual restaurant and merchant card fundraiser.

Simmons greeted the top 20 fundraisers at the CiCi’s Pizza in Pasadena as they arrived with their parents and school board members in first class in the latest addition to G.Q. Limo’s limousine fleet the Hummer Daddy, which is the largest limousine in Texas seating up to 30 passengers.

“Mr. Simmons was a surprise appearance for the students,” said Education Foundation Executive Director Cindy Parmer. “The kids were excited to see a real Houston Texan, and we all had so much fun. It was a nice treat for them.”

Elementary school students districtwide were encouraged to sell the $10 cards to family and friends. Students who sold 25 or more restaurant cards received the free limousine ride and pizza party. More than 25 elementary schools districtwide participated with Turner, Teague, Young, Mae Smythe and Fisher elementary schools as the top sellers.

“We are so grateful to the students and parents for their hard work in selling the foundation restaurant cards,” Parmer said. “They may not realize it, but they are providing a great deal of support to education through this program.”

The limousine ride and pizza were provided by Helping Hands for the People (HHP), an organization that organizes the districtwide campaign.

“The mission of this program is to raise money for innovative educational programs and teacher grants that make a lasting difference in each school, as well as in the lives of the parents, students, teachers and community members,” said HHP’s fundraising program coordinator Trish Dugger. “This also gives students pride in knowing they helped their school and community.”

Of the $10 price of the card, the school receives $2.50 and the foundation receives $2.50. The school is able to use that money for any needs it may have such as supplies or field trips. Proceeds given to the foundation will help with educational grants given out annually districtwide.

The restaurant cards feature discounted deals from neighboring businesses such as IHOP, Smoothie King, Diamond Lanes, Jiffy Lube, Skeeter’s, Mexico Lindo, Denny’s, Papa John’s, Skate World, JC Penney Portraits, Flowers & Company and Cold Stone Creamery.

“This is a great program for the foundation,” Parmer said. “Not only are the students helping us to help them, but they are raising funds that benefit their own campus as well. I don’t think they mind the prizes either.”

Super Sellers selling 21 cards received a backpack with radio and speakers and an auxillary plug for an iPOD, MP3 player or CD player. Bonus prizes were also available including a tomato ball throw and toss, light-up Frisbees, Apple water game, bamboo FM radio, and atom bubble ball.

“Pasadena ISD is one of the most professional and caring districts we work with,” said Dagger. “It makes it easier for us to provide a higher quality product and campaign for the district and foundation when there is team work. It has been a privilege to work with every student, principal, staff member and parent in this campaign.”

Restaurant cards are still available for sale. For more information, contact Parmer at cparmer@pasadenaisd.org or at 713-740-0288.