“We’re Not in Kansas Anymore” as the Seventh Annual Storybook Gala Brought the Crowd “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

“We’re Not in Kansas Anymore” as the Seventh Annual Storybook Gala Brought the Crowd “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

More than 300 lucky souls traveled down the “yellow brick road” to Hotel ZaZa Museum District at the recent 7th annual Storybook Gala benefiting Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and hosted by its Young Professionals Group. Themed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and chaired by Joselyn & Jeff Carnrite and Kasey & Nick Carnrite, the pot of gold at evening’s end totaled $320,000.

A whimsical wonderland filled with red roses, fairy light, shimmering red sequined linens, black trees, hanging poppies and a 5-ft. ruby slipper, created by Art Attack, greeted guests as they entered “Oz” and Houston-based Drywater Band kept guests on the dance floor. Live and silent auctions with outstanding items for bidding, as well as raffle ticket purchases, brought additional dollars to the overall monies raised.

An extensive “Kansas” dinner buffet with barbeque pork, pork belly bites, roasted corn in shot glasses, cheesecake lollipops, rainbow sugar cookies, and more, brought smiles to the faces within the “Emerald City.”

The organization’s Childhood Literacy Impact Award was bestowed by the four co-chairs to Deloitte for its 10-year anniversary of making a difference in increasing adult literacy rates. Deloitte’s Houston Managing Partner Amy Chronis and Deloitte Consulting Principal Scott John proudly accepted the award. Amy Chronis stated, “At Deloitte, we are committed to building pathways for education. Literacy has the power to transform lives — and we are proud to work with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation to help make a meaningful impact in our community.” The co-chairs gratefully thanked their generous sponsors including The Carnrite Group, Deloitte, P2 Energy Solutions, Richard and Heather Avant, Faust Distributing, Tego Jewelers and Tsuru Family Foundation.

Camp Adventure!, a four-week summer learning program for children in Fifth and Third Wards, was finally funded thanks to the “Paddles Up” campaign and the matching of funds from Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro and wife Maris, founders of Castro’s Kids!

Before those attending could “click their heels three times,” the gala was at an end and time to return home, but with sated stomachs, happy faces and the knowledge that much good had been done for Houston Literacy!

Socially present (not previously mentioned):  Maria and Neil Bush, Alan Carnrite, Julie and Ron Finck, Lisa and Mark Jakel, Deb and Monte Stavis, Pete Chronis, Emre Ozsut, Jordan Kahlil, Heather and Ray Collins, Sidney and Michael Aquino, Sarah and Ben Cotting, Caroline Edmundson, Carson Brown, Eric Brueggeman, Stephanie and Brent Schier, Nick Spearman, Regan Polotko, Grace and Tom Gosnell, Meghan and Scott McAlpine, Allison Schulze, Kelli and Scott John, Morgan Relyea Colt and Walker Colt, Beverly and Steven Westbrook, Lindsey and Devin Sauer, Victoria Villarreal, Caitlin Rance, Amy and Kyle McCully, Russell and Taryn Leto, Anthony Tarantino and Gabriela Aparicio, Joseph and Kate Cavanaugh, Ryan and Amber Jay, Michael and Dana Springer, Mark and Kerry Stuckless, John and Tina Cohen, Scott Kelley and Jacqueline Valle, Pierre and Diana Tego, Michael and Dana Springer, and Trevence Mitchell