After 30 Years, Barbara Bush’s Cause Remains Relevant: Upcoming Event Shines Light on the Power of Literacy

After 30 Years, Barbara Bush’s Cause Remains Relevant: Upcoming Event Shines Light on the Power of Literacy

First Lady Barbara Bush with this year's featured author Jean Becker

ON TUESDAY, APRIL 9, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation hosts its 30th annual A Celebration of Reading at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Proceeds from the event will advance the foundation’s mission to improve the lives of children and adults through the power of literacy. For the late First Lady Barbara Bush, the ability to read, write, speak and listen, to comprehend and communicate with the world around us, was not only a fundamental human right but key to the economic health and social development of our communities.


“Mom designed this event 30 years ago to shine the light on her cause of literacy and demonstrate to everyone that reading is joyful and a foundational skill for living the American Dream,” says Neil Bush, who co-founded the organization with his wife Maria. “The 2024 A Celebration of Reading will be an inspiring milestone event and a platform during which we will commemorate Dad’s 100th birthday.”

Five authors will present at the event, including New York Times bestselling authors Jean Becker, Chris Bohjalian, Brad Taylor, and James McBride, and touring comedian and television and film actor, Gary Gulman. Becker, who currently lives in Houston, was chief of staff for George H.W. Bush from March 1, 1994, until his death on Nov. 30, 2018, and supervised his office operations in both Houston and Kennebunkport, Maine. Her latest book Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush will be released in April 2024.

Thanks to its sponsors, including title sponsor Phillips 66, the event has already raised $1.5 million towards its $2 million goal. “Over the years, proceeds from A Celebration of Reading have enabled the foundation to develop and scale research-based literacy programs to address the childhood and adult literacy crisis that exists in our community,” said Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation President and CEO Julie Finck. “We look forward to another decade of difference-making through the support of the Houston Community.”

Art + Entertainment
Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less

Michelle and Jonathan Zadok (photo by Jacob Power)

WITH A COWBOY theme and terrific country band — think big hats and big hearts, said organizers — the Crime Stoppers gala was a huge hit and moving evening.

Keep Reading Show less

Breanna Blankenship, Nicholas Stuart, Zsavon Butler, Outspoken Bean

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston Arts Alliance pulled inspiration from global art, fashion and culture for a spectacular gala at the Hobby Center. “The World’s Stage” gala, chaired by Zsavon Butler and Nicholas Stuart, raised $325,000 to benefit the Houston Arts Alliance’s public-art and artist resiliency initiatives.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties