Houston’s Celebration of Reading is a River Oaks Dream With Top Authors, a TV News Star and Plenty of Bushes

What: The 28th yearly A Celebration of Reading author’s luncheon and night plan

Where by: The author’s luncheon was held at the River Oaks residence of Terri and John Havens the night program was held at The Publish Oak Resort.

Laptop Second: As has been custom in recent yrs, the generous Havens once yet again opened their breathtaking residence for a luncheon fêting the authors who would headline that evening’s method in which they go through from or discussed their most latest textbooks. The most effective promoting authors highlighted in the night fundraiser were Alafair Burke, sisters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, Brad Meltzer and Dr. Rick Rigsby. The Bush sisters were being on stage in an interview situation with KPRC Channel 2 evening news anchor Daniella Guzman.

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Celebration of Reading
Channel 2 KPRC evening news anchor Daniella Guzman interviews Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager at the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Celebration of Examining (Picture by Michelle Watson, CatchLightGroup.com)

At the time all over again, Maria and Neil Bush, chairs of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, served as hosts for the gathering which turned out to be some thing of a family affair for Neil Bush. His daughters Jenna and Barbara had been joined by their brother — Houston resident Pierce Bush — and his wife Sarahbeth.

With more than 700 guests in attendance, the evening elevated $1.8 million in aid of the neighborhood foundation’s literacy efforts and national applications of the Barbara Bush Basis for Relatives Literacy. Bundled in that complete was the $125,000 elevated through the party to start a new initiative termed Success As a result of Adult Looking through. The raffle incorporated a $15,000 diamond and gold band bracelet from deBoulle Diamond and Jewellery and an right away remain at the Put up Oak full with champagne and chocolates.

Returning title Sponsor Phillips 66 generously produced a lead gift of $50,000. Quanex Foundation served as presenting sponsor and EOG Sources promised to match $25,000 of contributions built by visitors that night time.

In a nod to the “Life. Liberty. Literacy” theme of the event, the system began with the presentation of colors by the U.S. Navy Shade Guard of Houston and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Barbara Bush Elementary School college students. Native Houstonian and contestant from the 20th time of NBC’s The Voice Dana Monique joined the Ernest Walker Neighborhood Singers to sing “America the Gorgeous.” Incorporate a online video to the method.

The program included a video and remarks from Maria and Neil Bush and Julie Baker Fink, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation president and CEO.

Subsequent the writer presentations Monique shut out the application, with backup from The Ernest Walker Neighborhood Singers, by singing Dolly Parton’s “Color Me The usa.” Then supper was served.

Personal computer Witnessed: Ron Fink, Kathrine McGovern, Alice and Keith Mosing, Lisa and Mark Jakel, Betty and John Hrncir, Rhonda and Mike Graff, Gail and Greg Garland, Sidney Faust, Elsie Eckert, Amy and Kyle McCully, Beverly and Jim Postl, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Rose Cullen, Linda McReynolds, and Daniela and Steve Herring.