Local Literacy Nonprofit — and the Astros! —Turns the Page at Record-Breaking Bash

Local Literacy Nonprofit — and the Astros! —Turns the Page at Record-Breaking Bash

Deviyani Misra-Godwin and Paul LeBlanc

LITERACY NOW, A Houston nonprofit dedicated to empowering children through reading, hosted its most successful fundraiser ever at the St. Regis Hotel.


Its 14th annual “Magnums Make a Difference” gala, which included a four-course meal along with silent and live auctions, brought in more than half a million dollars, which will go directly to helping students in HISD and Aldine ISD, where thousands of K-2nd grade students currently need reading intervention that the districts cannot provide.

The evening honored Bhakti Khatri-Horton and Monsterville Horton IV, longstanding Literacy Now board members who pioneered the gala 13 years ago, and also recognized third-grade student April, who appeared with Literacy Now CEO Jacque Daughtry on the Kelly Clarkson Show this spring to show off how far she’s come in her reading progress.

The hundreds of attendees stuck around to catch the end of the Astros’ World Series game 6 — and then the celebrations continued into the night.

Steve Kesten, Lynee Larson and Bret Pardue

Jacque Daughtry and third-grader April

Lokesh Chugh and Jusleen Karve

Monsterville Horton IV and Bhakti Khatri-Horton

Jacque Daughtry, Dylan and Monsterville Horton IV

People + Places
Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

Snacks and apps at 1891 (photo by Andrew Hemingway)

WE ARE A couple weeks out from Super Bowl LIX, and it's not too early to be thinking about parties, food, and party food. We rounded up some of the most unique and bang-for-your-buck eats to make the event memorable.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

THE BARNES & NOBLE in Town & Country Village has been closed since February 2024, but on Wednesday, Jan. 29, it reopens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and book-signing.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment