The 31st annual A Celebration of Reading was a storybook affair, gathering nearly 1,300 guests at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts on April 1. Hosted by Maria and Neil Bush, the evening honored the enduring legacy of First Lady Barbara Bush and commemorated what would have been her 100th birthday.
The result? A heartwarming night that raised more than $2.6 million for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's local efforts.
The evening opened with a poignant video message from former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, followed by the Texas A&M Singing Cadets delivering soul-stirring renditions of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "God Bless America." Neil Bush and son Pierce Bush welcomed attendees with touching tributes, highlighting Barbara Bush's enduring impact on literacy and family life.
New Legacy
In a fitting birthday salute, Neil Bush announced the launch of the Literacy Legacy Society, with Susan Baker as honorary chair and Deborah and Monte Stavis as co-chairs. The initiative aims to grow and sustain the foundation’s programs while celebrating Barbara Bush's vibrant legacy.
”This is a very special year for our family, as my Ganny will have celebrated her 100th birthday,” said Pierce Bush. “She was a source of inspiration and kindness to all who knew her. There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of her and miss her quick wit, friendship, and unconditional love.”
Authors on Stage
Literary luminaries took center stage throughout the evening, introduced by Ashley Bush LeFevre, Sarahbeth Bush, and Julian LeFevre. Historian H.W. Brands reflected on his childhood love of reading and the complexity of his work, America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War. Author Victoria Christopher Murray charmed the audience with stories of her early writing adventures and her passion for highlighting unsung heroines in history.
Actor Kelsey Grammer delivered a deeply personal and emotional reading from his new book Karen: A Brother Remembers, chronicling his late sister's life. Comedian Nate Bargatze closed out the author lineup with his signature "non-genius" humor, sharing hilarious anecdotes from his childhood and new memoir Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind.
Earlier in the day, the festivities kicked off with an intimate Authors’ Luncheon hosted at the River Oaks home of Terri and John Havens.
Among those spotted in the evening crowd were Steve and Barbie Prusak, Julie and Ron Finck, Lisa and Mark Jakel, Mark and Laurie Lashier, Brian and Shana Mandell, 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, Gina and Joe Carroll, Danny Ward and Nancy Ames, Ernest Trevino and Steve Ulrich, Tony Bradfield, Ginger Blanton, Martha and Mark Carnes, Juliet Stipeche, and Pam Wells.
The celebration continues beyond the evening as media partner KPRC 2 will broadcast a one-hour, commercial-free version of the event on May 10, with a rebroadcast on June 7.
