25 years of caring… 300 agencies served … 254 vans gifted …
3.5 million children impacted–Houston Children’s Charity celebrates a quarter-century of supporting Houston’s children and their families
In 1996, seven visionaries joined forces to build a non-profit organization to help underprivileged, abused, and disabled children in need across Greater Houston.
A quarter-century later, Houston Children’s Charity has made a critical impact on the lives of more than 3.5 million children and identifies those children whose special needs are not being met by existing organizations.
The charity, its board, sponsors, and over 400 friends and supporters gathered at The Post Oak at Uptown, to celebrate its silver anniversary at their 25th Anniversary Luncheon presented by BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest. Journalist and emcee Shelby Hodge welcomed guests to this auspicious luncheon and spoke about the lives that have been dramatically changed by this institution during its 25-year tenure of benevolence.
This remarkable organization is helmed by President & CEO Laura Ward, who was presented a proclamation by Mayor Sylvester Turner, who also proclaimed November 10, 2021, as Houston Children’s Charity “Quarter Center of Caring Day”. Founder and Vice-Chairman of the Board Gary Becker (on behalf of the founders and board members) surprised Laura with a Leadership Award and an even bigger surprise included the renaming of the Child Life Room at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center Outpatient Clinic at the Mark Wallace Tower. It is renamed Laura S. Ward, Houston Children’s Charity Child Life Room. What a tribute to such an amazing person whose works will be forever remembered by those to whom she and her charity gave assistance.
Let’s examine the unbelievable statistics of this charitable organization during its 25 years:
- Provided support to more than 300 agencies and 14 unique direct programs, leaving no legitimate request for assistance unanswered
- Distributed 254 vans to families of disabled children
- Helped 40,000 school-aged students walk into school prepared for the new school year with much-needed school supplies
- Provided 25,000 children with a better night’s sleep by distributing mattresses, box springs, bed frames, sheets, and pillows
- More than 30,000 children have been provided with gently used clothing, shoes and accessories at no cost
- Distributed 80,000 toys to 20,000 children through the Adopt-A-Family program and Toy Distribution
- Awarded $100,000 yearly to the families at Texas Children’s Hospital to help pay for lodging, mortgage, car payments, meals, parking, and clothes
My heartfelt congratulations to Laura Ward, her team at Houston Children’s Charity, their board and all their supporters for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of Houston children. As their motto states, “Our Kids are Everbody’s Kids.”
Honorees awarded at the event: Tilman Fertitta, Carol Sawyer, Kim Finnigan, Stevie Merrill, Allen Hord, Maricella Reed, Rosemary Lozano, Chris Merrill, Rod Ryan, Dave Strickland, The Guill Family, Youval Meicler, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Tommy Kuranoff, Susan & Fayez Sarofim, Tony Buzbee, Hallie Vanderhider and Jana & Richard Fant.
Socially present (not previously mentioned): District Attorney Kim Ogg, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, Paige Fertitta, Sylvia Forsythe, Ryan Jay, Ali Guill, John Guill, Marion Guill Anderson, Twila Carter, Gina Gaston Elie, Grant Guthrie, Michael Hoctor, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Penny Loyd, David Atkins, Dr. Susan Blaney, Dan D’Armond, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, Trini Mendenhall, Dr. Lois Moore, Debbie and Bob Ogle, Amy and Rob Pierce, Rachelle Rowe, Rod Ryan, Dr. Tom Sawyer, Morris Smith, Kristina Somerville, Tina Strickland, Donna Vallone, Russell Ybarra, Robin Young-Ellis, Patrick Fertitta and David Gow.
