Event Date: April 1, 2025
Location: Luncheon-Home of Terri & John Havens; Gala-Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Event: Luncheon and Gala
Beneficiary: Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation
No. in attendance: 1,300
Monies raised: $2,600,000
Honorary Chairs: Maria and Neil Bush
Luncheon Hosts: Terri and John Havens
Title Sponsor: Phillips 66
Presenting Sponsor: Woodside Energy
Authors: Nate Bargatze, H.W. Brands, Kelsey Grammer and Victoria Christopher Murray
Photography: Luncheon-Michelle Watson; Gala-Jacob Power and Priscilla Dickson
A Celebration of Reading Celebrates a First Lady’s Centennial Birthday and Raises $2.6 Million in the Process
Former First Lady and literacy enthusiast would have celebrated her 100th birthday at the 31st annual “A Celebration of Reading,” which benefited her eponymous organization, The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Almost 1,300 guests gathered at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts to listen to readings from guest authors Nate Bargatze, H.W. Brands, Kelsey Grammer and Victoria Christopher Murray, who were introduced throughout the evening by Pierce Bush, Ashley Bush LeFevre, Sarahbeth Bush, and Julian LeFevre.
The program began with a special recorded message from former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice who offered heartfelt remarks and poignant memories of her time with the First Lady. Texas A&M University Singing Cadets serenaded the crowd with their renditions of The Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless America. Founder and Chairman of the Foundation Neil Bush and son Pierce Bush graced the stage to greet guests, thank Title Sponsor Phillips 66, Presenting Sponsor Woodside Energy, myriad VIP sponsors, and to share their love of Barbara Bush and her commitment to literacy. Neil also announced the launch of the Literary Legacy Society, which is a tribute to Barbara Bush’s centennial birthday. Susan Baker will serve as the Society’s Honorary Chair and Co-Chairs will be Deborah and Monte Stavis.
Following the author’s readings, VIP guests were escorted to beautifully set tables across multiple levels of the Hobby Center for a unique seated dinner. H-E-B graciously provided elegant floral centerpieces. Tenenbaum Jewelers created a raffle for guests to enter where prizes included 18K White Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet, Glashütte Original PanoReserve Men’s Luxury Watch and a $2,500 gift certificate.
Prior to the Hobby Center gala, hosts Terri and John Havens invited authors, Bush family members and major donors to their French-inspired River Oaks estate for a private elegant luncheon.
Due to the Foundation’s unending efforts, over $2.6 million was raised to continue its great works of advancing the literacy legacy of this remarkable woman!
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Julie and Ron Finck, Lisa and Mark Jakel, Mark and Laurie Lashier, Brian and Shana Mandell, Steve and Barbie Prusak, Alvin Abraham, Claudia Kreisle, David and Pat Jones, John and Betty Hrncir, Y. Ping Sun, Daniel Kalms, Steve and Michele Maislin, Satya and Naveen Pandrangi, Emily George, Colette and Minor Taylor, Preston and Allison Schulze, Greg and Terri Ebel, Greg and Gail Garland, Gina and Joe Carroll, Ernest Trevino and Steve Ulrich, Deborah and Monte Stavis, Tony Bradfield, Ginger Blanton, Regina Rogers, Martha and Mark Carnes, Juliet Stipeche, Pam Wells, Gretchen and Andrew Buchmeyer, Rebecca and Brian Duncan, Terri and John Havens, Chelsea Stavis
