A Two-Million Dollar “Literacy for All” Evening Celebrated Military Authors at “A Celebration of Reading” for Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

A Two-Million Dollar “Literacy for All” Evening Celebrated Military Authors at “A Celebration of Reading” for Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

Two beautiful events were enjoyed at the 32nd annual “A Celebration of Reading,” which raised over $2.2 million for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, thanks to generous contributions from Title Sponsor Phillips 66, Presenting Sponsor Woodside Energy, additional sponsors and supporters. The event was themed “Literacy for All” and began with the annual luncheon, hosted at the River Oaks estate of Terri & John Havens and co-hosted by Neil & Maria Bush. In recognition of our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the authors celebrated were three dynamic and decorated military veterans:  New York Times best-selling author Leon Carroll, Jr., Admiral William H. McRaven and Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Rob Riggle.

The evening program, attended by more than 1,100 guests, began in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts auditorium and paid tribute to former First Lady Barbara Bush’s vision. Her son Neil Bush and grandson Pierce Bush welcomed the crowd, thanked the many sponsors and spoke lovingly about Barbara’s commitment to literacy and the impact the Foundation bearing her name has established nationwide.

The previously mentioned authors were brought to the stage to speak about their book and were introduced by Bush family members Lizzie Andrews, Sarabeth Bush and Clemmie Pierce Martin. Former U.S. Marine Major Leon Carroll, Jr., who was taught to read at age 4, spoke about his 20-year career with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and his work as a technical advisor on the hit CBS show. Excerpts from the collection of speeches, poems and writings by thirty-seven-year U.S. Navy Veteran Admiral William H. McRaven, from his new book, Duty, Honor, Country & Life: A Tribute to the American Spirit, were poignantly read. Comedian, actor and 23-year former Marine Rob Riggle reflected on his career and discussed his book, Grit, Spit and Never Quit:  A Marine’s Guide to Comedy and Life.

Houston native and four-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Yolanda Adams closed the show with a powerful, moving performance of some of her best-known hits. Between songs, Yolanda spoke about her time as a Houston public school teacher and about meeting the former First Lady through one of her literacy programs.

Neil Bush and Founding President and CEO of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation Julie Baker Finck thanked guests and guided them to multiple levels of Hobby Center for an elegant seated dinner. Florals at each table were generously donated by H-E-B.

A fabulous raffle, sponsored by Tenenbaum Jewelers, was held during the festivities. Guests were thrilled to donate for a chance to win an 18K yellow gold diamond line necklace, an Omega 42mm Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph in stainless steel, or a $5,000 gift certificate to Tenenbaum Jewelers. Silent auction packages of more than 25 items were donated for bidding, which included a luxury stay in Château de Jalesnes, located in France’s Loire Valley, an elegant four-strand pearl necklace with 30 carat square cushion-faceted pink tourmaline, and a stunning “Heart of America” quilt.

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Luncheon Guests included Kevin Joseph, Georgeann McRaven, Leon and Jackie Carroll, Ron Finck, Lisa & Mark Jakel, Gail Garland, Laura Spear, Shana & Brian Mandel, Claudia Kreisle, Vanessa Sutherland, Tony Bradfield, Kevin & Christine Mitchell, Anna Gryska, Lily Frishman; Evening Guests included Mark & Laurie Lashier, Lisa & Ryan Lance, Sidney Faust, Lesha Elsenbrook, Alice & Keith Mosing, Cathy & Joe Cleary, Ginger Blanton, Michelle & Kevin Mitchell, Shayna Andrews, Ruth J. Simmons, Pam & Jim Wells, Carrie & Michael Zamora, Terri & Greg Ebel, Patricia & Sig Cornelius, Deborah & Monte Stavis, Juliet Stipeche, Susan & Earl Hesterberg, Jim Postl, Dolores & John Tobola, Melinda Yee, Amy & John Chronis, The Honorable Consul General of Qatar Al Thani, Daren Austin, Barbie & Steve Prusak, Greg & Susan Maxwell, Alicia Calhoun, Whitney & Matt Anderson, Gina & Joe Carroll, Jess & Cary Dunham, Lily & Charles Foster, Pat & David Jones, Mary Lynn Marks, Jeffery & Alexandra Butt, Lisa Helfman & Lee Haverman, Amy Cope-Gibbs & Jon Gibbs, Derrick Shore & Brandon Bourque, Jeff & Heather Firestone