The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation is pleased to announce their 5th annual Power of Literacy Luncheon will now take place as a virtual “literacy fête” on Thursday, October 22. The signature event, chaired by Betty Hrncir and Sidney Faust, shines a light on the importance of reading in our community and supports the Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild’s local literacy efforts.
In keeping with the theme, Beyond the Pearls: Wit, Wisdom and Wonder of Barbara Bush, the event will feature treasured tales masterfully strung together by those who knew and loved Mrs. Bush best. Melanie Lawson, KTRK-TV Channel 13 News Anchor, will emcee the program produced by Ward & Ames. Many Honored guests including The Honorable Andrew Hill Card, Jr., David Demarest, The Honorable Robert M. Gates, Jenna Bush Hager, Doro Bush Koch, Jay Leno, Reba McEntire, John Meacham, and The Honorable Sichan Siv. Neil and Maria Bush, Reverend Dr. Russ Levenson Jr., Luncheon Co-Chairs Sidney Faust and Betty Hrncir, and Guild President Trish Morille, will also share special remarks.
“These unprecedented times have amplified the importance of our efforts to ensure that all children have access to books and educational materials from home to homeroom,” said Guild President Trish Morille. “We are delighted with the outpouring of support for the 5th annual Power of Literacy Luncheon which will help us give Houston children a brighter, more productive future through life-changing literacy skills.”
The charitable event will take place virtually on Thursday, October 22 at 11:45 a.m., and proceeds will benefit the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild’s activities and initiatives. Guests can join the event by registering online in advance at bushhoustonliteracy.org.
From the comfort of their homes or offices, ticket holders will enjoy delicious lunches beautifully presented by Culinaire, along with lovely keepsake gifts. Participants will have the chance to enter a raffle which will feature a double strand of freshwater pearls generously donated by Tenenbaum Jewelers and a “Literacy Lovers Package” that includes a lifetime membership to the Ladies for Literacy Guild, autographed books and more. In addition, guests have an option to “shop for a cause” through Water 2 Wine, featuring commemorative branded bottles of wine. The event will also feature a highly coveted buy-it-now item…..two embroidered director’s chairs, autographed by 2019 luncheon speakers Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton.
Once again, Phillips 66 will serve as the title sponsor of the Power of Literacy Luncheon for the 5th year in a row, continuing its leadership position in the community to promote the literacy cause. Additionally, Janice McNair will serve as the Literacy Champion Sponsor and Memorial Hermann will serve as the Presenting Sponsor.
Since inception, the Ladies for Literacy Guild has raised over $1.5 million through the Power of Literacy Luncheons to fund local literacy initiatives including the 30-foot Curiosity Cruiser mobile library, the creation of children’s libraries at New Hope Housing – Reed and Mission of Yahweh, as well as family literacy programs at Santa Maria Hostel. At the 2019 Power of Literacy Luncheon, the Ladies for Literacy Guild unveiled a second Curiosity Cruiser to serve low-income children across Harris County.
Tickets, registration and sponsorships for the event are available for purchase on the Foundation’s website at bushhoustonliteracy.org. Raffle tickets and commemorative wine can also be purchased in advance. For more information on the Power of Literacy Luncheon, call 346-212-2310 or email events@bushhoustonliteracy.org.