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    Shelby's Social Diary

    On a $1.9 million night, Barbara Bush hands over the reins to Celebration ofReading

    Shelby Hodge
    Apr 22, 2012 | 6:29 pm
    • Broadway singer George Dvorsky serenades Barbara Bush at the Celebration ofReading as Doro Bush and Maria and Neil Bush join her on stage.
      Photo by David Shutts
    • Authors Harlan Coben, from left, Blake Mycoskie, Donovan Campbell and SandraBrown visit before the start of the Celebration of Reading at the Hobby Centerfor the Performing Arts.
      Photo by David Shutts
    • Lauren Bush
      Photo by David Shutts
    • David Feherty
      Photo by David Shutts

    "This time it is goodbye." And with that Barbara Bush made it official at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

    After 18 years of leading Celebration of Reading fundraisers around the country and after 23 years of heading the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, she is handing the reins over to a new generation of the Bush family.

    "It's time for me to turn the foundation over to younger and wiser people," the 86-year-old told the sellout crowd of 1,800.

    "I'm not really going totally away, just as chairman. I may have a suggestion or two if I don't like the way things are going," she quipped in familiar style.

     

    Barbara Bush couldn't resist occasionally covering her face with her hands at lyrics such as "You are the promised kiss of springtime." 

    Since its founding, the non-profit has distributed more than $42 million to literacy programs across the country. On this evening, the Bush family efforts brought in $1.9 million.

     Doro Bush Koch and Jeb Bush are taking over as co-chairs of the foundation. Maria and Neil Bush are stepping in to lead the Houston Celebration of Reading and they, along with Doro, were on stage with the former First Lady throughout her portion of the program. President George H.W. Bush remained in his front row seat.

    The benefit evening featuring five authors and late-night dinner held a surprise for Barbara Bush, one not reluctant to make it known that she loathes surprises. But she took it in playful stride when Broadway singer George Dvorsky joined her on stage to serenade her in a medley of love songs. Though she couldn't resist occasionally covering her face with her hands at lyrics such as "You are the promised kiss of springtime" or "Just one look and then I knew. That all I longed for long ago was you."

    Dvorsky had just completed his run as Daddy Warbucks in Theatre Under the Stars' production of Annie.

    In a further nod to the changing of the guard, each of the authors was introduced by a Bush grandchild — Lauren Bush, George P. Bush, Amanda Bush, Ashley Bush and Pierce Bush.

    Then it was down to the not-so-serious business of the author presentations. Harlan Coben, David Feherty, Sandra Brown and Blake Mycoskie had the audience rolling with their outlandish humor. Forget the traditional reading from their works. Each seemed more standup comedian than serious author and the audience loved it.

    The final author, Donovan Campbell, a decorated U.S. Marine, read from his book Joker One and gave an impassioned patriotic talk. That segued nicely into the patriotic musical presentation by the University of Houston Chorale.

    The grand finale of this fundraiser is always the Jackson & Co. cold supper served to half of the audience on stage and half in the lobby. The wine flows and the spirits are high as the Bush family and the authors spread out among the diners for the late-night repast.

    The success of the evening is expected to continue full force with the Empower Events team remaining in place as event managers as they have been from the very start and with continuing assist from the former President's office. Ward & Ames will remain on hand as well to insure that the stage production for the Celebration of Reading is flawless.

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    Party Watch

    Bayou a Drink? Cocktails in Bloom draws a colorful crowd of Houstonians

    Joel Luks
    Jul 15, 2025 | 3:00 pm
    Buffalo Bayou Partnership Cocktails in Bloom 2025
    Courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership
    Laura Massad, Cynthia Dehlavi, and Meredith Kruz.

    What: 2025 Cocktails in Bloom benefiting Buffalo Bayou Partnership

    Buffalo Bayou Partnership Cocktails in Bloom 2025
      

    Courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership

    Laura Massad, Cynthia Dehlavi, and Meredith Kruz.

    Where: Lost Lake in Buffalo Bayou Park

    The Scoop: A vibrant swirl of color, cocktails, and community took over Lost Lake as nearly 200 supporters gathered for the fourth annual Cocktails in Bloom. This breezy outdoor affair — one of Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s signature spring events — celebrated the organization’s work to transform Houston’s historic waterway into a destination of trails, parks, and unforgettable spaces.

    As golden hour lit up the lush landscape, guests dressed in garden-party glam strolled the lakeside scene, drink in hand. Flora and Giant Texas Distillers kept spirits high with fresh, seasonal pours, while Chef Christian Hernandez and a who’s-who of local food favorites — Barbacana, Burger Bodega, Kin Dee, and more — offered bites that felt picnic-perfect but plated with flair.

    A lively soundtrack from Lou Alejandre and Houston Groove Society gave the evening a cool, jazzy edge, and the Quick Draw Photobooth had attendees lining up for playful sketches and snaps. Nature met nightlife in the most Houston way possible. Under the stars, with a cocktail in hand and a cause in mind.

    Who: Judy Nyquist, Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen, Josep Prats, Sarah Newbery, Bryce Hairston Kennard, Stacy and Scott Humphries, Matt Assiff, Zion Escobar, Mark Conely, Maggie Tsang and Isaac Stein, and Sallie and Bob Wright.

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