Star Power and a Nod to a First Lady’s Centennial Led the Way for a Powerful Tenth Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon

Star Power and a Nod to a First Lady’s Centennial Led the Way for a Powerful Tenth Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild celebrated its 10th Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon, marking the 10th anniversary of the Ladies for Literacy Guild and Barbara Bush’s 100th birthday by raising a record $775,000 with the help of Chairpersons Sidney Faust and Betty Hrncir, sponsors, and a sold-out crowd of 800 supporters. The luncheon, themed “Opening Doors to Literacy,” honored the literacy legacy of former First Lady Barbara Bush. The proceeds will continue supporting the Foundation’s signature programs, such as My Home Library, the Curiosity Cruiser, Raising a Reader, and Science of Reading in Action.

Phillips 66 served as the Title Sponsor, with ExxonMobil, Sidney Faust and Betty Hrncir as Literacy Champion Sponsors. Presenting Sponsors included Lilly Andress, Ann Bookout, Mary Lynn Marks, Vicki West, Deborah Dunkum, Lesha Elsenbrook, Denise Monteleone, Tena Faust, Courtney Hopson and Rhonda Graff.

Emmy Award-winning journalist Linda Lorelle served as the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies. She started by introducing students from Barbara Bush Elementary School who delivered the invocation and the Saint Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band, which performed a special celebratory piece for this milestone occasion. A video tribute showcasing the impressive work of Ladies of Literacy Guild members over the past decade was met with enthusiastic applause. Guild Founding President Betty Hrncir stated, “Through the years, the Ladies for Literacy Guild has grown and flourished because so many dynamic women with big hearts have given generously of their time, talent, and treasure to making a difference in the lives of children in our community.” Founding and Lifetime Guild Member Sidney Faust added, “We are thrilled to share that this year’s luncheon has raised $775,000. This is a record-breaking achievement, and it means thousands of children will have new opportunities to open the door to literacy and, as a result, learn, dream, and thrive.”

The highlight of this well-attended event is the on-stage interview. Emcee Linda Lorelle had the well-earned task of engaging with Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor and New York Times bestselling author Tom Selleck. “I first met Barbara Bush in Hawaii when I was filming ‘Magnum P.I.’ She hosted a small reception, and I have to say we really hit it off. So, I always felt a special connection whenever I saw her at various events. It was a pure pleasure to help carry forward her legacy at the Power of Literacy luncheon. I was honored to be a small part of it,” Selleck said warmly. The actor’s memoir, You Never Know, released last year, was discussed as he shared the life lessons and values that helped shape his long career.

A raffle, sponsored by Tenenbaum Jewelers, featured pearl jewelry inspired by former First Lady Barbara Bush’s iconic style. Grocery and floral giant H-E-B donated the breathtaking floral centerpieces.

In the decade since its founding, Ladies for Literacy Guild has raised nearly $5 million—a Powerful Figure from some Powerful Literati!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Warner Roberts, Sarahbeth & Pierce Bush, John Hrncir, Nancy Ames & Danny Ward, Maggie Austin, Jamie Barrere, Tony Bradfield, Cheryl Byington, Cathy & Joe Cleary, Amy Chronis, Sue Conway, Patricia Cornelius, Tammy Genovese Davis, Tyson Faust, Julie Finck, Gail Garland, Katy Hays, Maureen Higdon, Leslie Hix, Lisa Jakel, Jenny Joy, Patti Kroll, Laurie Lashier, Julie Little, Tama Lundquist, Cora Sue Mach, Martha Adger Madget, Anne McClellan, Mary Hale, Lovett McLean, Marsha Montemayor, Sue Smith, Trish Morille, Barbie Prusak, Tenley E. Raj, Regina Rogers, Mary Sage, Sandra Shenkir, Tharen Simpson, Rhonda Smith, Deborah Stavis, Andrea Suarez, Suzi & William Dore and Jacqueline Hamilton Taylor