With a quarter century of raising funds for the nation's hungry under its belt, the Souper Bowl of Caring has just moved headquarters from Columbia, S.C., to Houston and in the process honors an H-Town hero with its first Tackling Hunger Humanitarian Award. Step up to the plate Houston Texans owner Bob McNair.
The spotlight was on Bob and Janice McNair's good works at the Hilton Americas-Houston on Tuesday for the non-profit's first annual luncheon.
In a video presentation saluting Bob McNair, Houston Texans president Jamey Rootes noted that McNair imbibes "the hallmark of great community leaders, they inspire others to get involved." Souper Bowl of Caring founder Brad Smith, in remarks to the gathering of 320, praised the McNairs for coming on board as honorary chairs of the charity for the 2004 Super Bowl in Houston. "The momentum it has picked up since then has been extraordinary," he said.
The luncheon was chaired by the McNairs' longtime friends Annette and George Strake, who reported that the event had raised $225,000 in the fight against hunger. Special guest was Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Souper Bowl of Caring spokesman, who took time out from practice sessions only long enough for the reception and luncheon introduction.
Luncheon activities included presentation of a Taft McWhorter painting to the McNairs and auction of a similar Texas flag painting that McWhorter completed during the event.
Joining the inaugural luncheon were Souperbowl of Caring CEO Clare Cooper, Melissa and Jamey Rootes, Willie Alexander, Jana Giamalva, Brian Orsak, Dave Peterson, Roxanne Neumann, Sharon Adams, Bill Breetz, Elizabeth Wilson, Diran Carr and event planner Deborah Elias.
DeAndre Hopkins, left, with Janice and Bob McNair.
