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Hollywood legend hits Houston to honor former first lady Barbara Bush's legacy

Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, will visit Houston this fall.

Courtesy photo

One wonders how Barbara Bush would react to the news. The mother-daughter team of Oscar-winning actress, singer and author Julie Andrews, and her daughter and co-author, Emma Walton Hamilton, will visit to Houston this fall to honor the former first lady legacy.

The pair will share their stories and experiences at the fourth annual Power of Literacy Luncheon, Friday, October 25 at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown.

Chaired by Lilly Andress and Vicki West, Andrews and Hamilton will participate in a moderated conversation as part of the program. Since its inception, the Ladies for Literacy Guild has raised nearly $1 million through the Power of Literacy Luncheons to fund local literacy initiatives.

“I am beyond excited for Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton to join us at this special event that helps champion Barbara Bush’s literacy legacy,” said Maria Bush, co-chair, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “Julie has been an idol of mine since I was a child, and this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the presence of someone who has enriched our lives through all of her many talents on stage, on screen, and on television – to the many books she has authored.”

Julie Andrews is famous for her roles as Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp in the iconic film The Sound of Music. Her career spans generations, from her beginnings in England’s vaudeville acts, to originating the role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, to her roles in The Princess Diaries and the voices of Queen Lillian in the Shrek movies and Marlene, Gru’s mum in the Despicable Me and Minion franchises.

She and her daughter, Emma, are the authors of more than 30 children’s books, many of which have been New York Times best-sellers. Their latest franchise of books together, The Very Fairy Princess, is a 12-book series. The first book rose to No. 1 on the New York Times Children’s Best Seller list. Andrews and Hamilton are Grammy Award winners in the spoken word category.

“Emma and I are pleased to join the Foundation at this spectacular event as part of my world book tour,” said Andrews in a statement. “Reading and writing has played a significant part in both my professional career and my personal life for many, many years. Through our writings and stories, Emma and I strive to not only entertain readers, but also to inspire them to dream big in life.”

Andrews will release the second installment of her biography written with Hamilton, called Home Work - A Memoir of My Hollywood Years, on October 15. The book is a follow-up to her critically acclaimed and bestselling memoir, Home - A Memoir of My Early Years, and picks up her story with her arrival in Hollywood, sharing the career highlights, personal experiences, and reflections behind her career.

In addition to the annual luncheon, Ladies for Literacy Guild activities include funding the 30-foot Curiosity Cruiser mobile library, and creating children’s libraries in the New Hope Housing – Reed and Mission of Yahweh shelter, as well as promoting family literacy programs at Santa Maria Hostel. The guild is currently upfitting a second Curiosity Cruiser to serve low-income children across Harris County.

Unapologetically Strong

Powerhouse women bloom at Houston nonprofit’s rockin' celebration

Women’s Fund 15th Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon

Photo by Johnny Than

Bella, Joanna, and Lexa Vargas.

A sea of florals, fizz, and fierce spirit took over the Royal Sonesta as guests gathered for The Women’s Fund’s 15th Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon. This year’s theme, “Bloom Beyond Limits,” turned the afternoon into a vibrant celebration while empowering adolescent girls and women to lead happier lives.

Co-chairs Paula Sutton and Nadia Tajalli, along with emcee ABC13’s Gina Gaston, welcomed supporters into a lush shopping garden buzzing with 20 local vendors and a lively silent auction. From designer bags and jewels to gourmet getaways and self-care baskets, bidding was brisk — and occasionally a little cutthroat.

The stage bloomed with performances that hit all the right notes. Ogechi Nwachukwu of Partnerschools set the tone with a solo of “Astonishing” from Little Women, while later, Elizabeth Hanje of Houston Grand Opera (HGO) stunned with “Summertime” following an inspiring keynote from HGO’s Khori Dastoor, who spoke candidly about the arts and authenticity.

Before lunch, more than 100 girls attended a powerful education session titled “Unapologetically Me,” moderated by Casey Curry and featuring panelists Shruti Mohanty, Leslie Aileen, and Kimeya Courts-Chapman.

Event highlights included awards for longtime supporter Philamena Baird and pediatric hematology leader Dr. Lakshmi Srivaths, plus remarks from Praveena Lakshmanan and a matching challenge led by Jackie Macha. Cancer researcher Dr. Elizabeth Grimm was recognized as the Lifetime Member Spotlight.

More than 350 guests helped raise $250,000 for the organization.

On the scene were Stephanie Hill, Linda Rhodes, Jackie Macha, Lisa Rogers, Natalie Mohtashami, Erin Cummings, Abby Alford, Tahirih Baker, Alyssa Fox, Ann Cook, Gina Gaston Elie, MaryBeth Robinson, Kathryn Tees, Tina Wrotenbery, Kimberly Young, Vanessa Ames, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Dr. Mary Aitken, Dr. Victor Simms, Dr. Nicholas Ro, Julie Roberts, Claire Liu, Liz Travis, Krista Calaway, Charlene Chuang, Lindsey Duhon, Meredith Marshall, Jackie Hugele, Meghan Hughes, Lauren Sotomayor, Emily Posey, Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber, and April McGee.

$Women\u2019s Fund 15th Annual Rockin\u2019 Resiliency Luncheon$

Photo by Johnny Than

Bella, Joanna, and Lexa Vargas.

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