1. family and parenting
2. children

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SPRING 2014
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NOVEMBER 8, 2014
T he Music...
T he Voice...
T he Legend...
Live!!
1
2
OVER 650 GUESTS filled the Hyatt
Regency Houston Downtown Imperial Ballroom for the Houston
Children’s Charity 17th Annual
Gala. Diana Ross brought the entire
room of black-tie attired guests to
their feet as she sang some of her
greatest hits, “Ain’t No Mountain
High Enough,” “Come See About
Me,” and “Baby Love.” The diva did
not disappoint with her 4 high-speed
costume changes and elaborate
stage set.
Also in the spotlight were Gala Honoree’s, Leticia & Stephen Trauber,
CITI Vice Chairman and Global Head of
Energy. It was a privilege to pay tribute
to this dynamic duo that contributes so
much to our Houston community.
Gala Chairmen, Penny & Paul Loyd,
1. Janice & Tad Brown, Leticia & Steve Trauber, Monty Meave,
Maria Moncada Alaoui, Penny & Paul Loyd
2. Paige & Tilman Fertitta
3. Jeanette & Jim Woods
4. Donna Peak, Melissa & Brad Juneau
in true fashion, made
enormous contributions to
ensure the success of the
evening. As in past years,
3
Dave Ward kept the program flowing and the
guests entertained. Reverend Mary Gracely, One
Spirit Interfaith Community,
generously provided a
heartfelt and personal
message to the crowd as
4
she delivered the
evenings invocation. Reverend Gracely is a longtime
friend and supporter of
HCC and it is a privilege to
have her be a part of our
evening.
Darryl Murchison of Darryl & Co., managed to create
pure “diva” elegance in the ballroom!
Ms. Ross shared with the Executive Director, Laura Ward, that is was one of
the most beautiful rooms she had ever
played to. With help from
our loyal friends, at H-E-B
who provided purple
orchids for the entire
ballroom and with the
addition of Grand Empire
Chandeliers, created especially for the evening, the
ballroom was nothing short
of spectacular. Howard
Venegas with CÎROC
ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA provided a “Martini Bar”
for the evening’s guests and
a bottle of CÎROC autographed by Sean Combs.
The winning bidders were
Kris Cogliano & Rebecca
Bolin. Also,special thanks
to our longtime supporter, Denise Ehrlich of Rathbone Wine
Group and Leon Sierra of Bronco Wine Company and Mid-State Wine for providing the fine
wines throughout the evening. By evenings end,
CONTINUES ON PAGE 4
In this
issue:
A Better
Night’s Sleep
Page 3
Christmas
2013
Page 7
Chariots for
Children
Page 4
HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY
•
SPRING 2014 • 1
2013
Chairman’s
Award
A GATHERING OF CHAMPIONS
1
A
T THE ANNUAL BOARD
MEETING, HCC’s Chairman
of the Board, Tilman
Fertitta, presented
this award to a well
deserving board
member who has
made exceptional
contributions through
out the calendar year.
Bob Ogle
In the history of this
charity, The Chairmen’s Award had
never been given to a member of the
Advisory Board. This year that
changed. Not only is Bob Ogle an
Advisory Board Member, but also
one of the Founding Members of
Houston Children’s Charity. Bob is
hands-on in everything he does and
is a blessing to Houston Children’s
Charity and the special children
we serve.
Thank You
Franco Valobra!
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, FRANCO
VALOBRA / VALOBRA MASTER
JEWELERS IN HIGHLAND VILLAGE,
hosted an event where a portion of the
proceeds
went to
Houston
Children’s
Charity.
And what a
wonderful
evening
it was!
Everything
was PERFECT
– catering, champagne, and great people!
The exquisite piece that Franco Valobra
donated to the 17th Annual Gala auction
– silenced the room!!! A Ladies necklace
with three (3) strands of 10-11 mm pearls
and 16 KT of gem quality citrine – valued
at $25,000! Our most heartfelt thanks to
our longtime friend and supporter, Franco
Valobra – your generosity abounds!
In the crowd; Maria Moncada
Alaoui, Penny & Paul Loyd, Dave
Ward, Kellie Letsos & Gary Becker,
Grant Guthrie, Janice & Tad Brown,
Tilman Fertitta, Edna Meyer-Nelson,
DeeDee & Wallis Marsh, Carol & Dr.
Tom Sawyer, Stephanie Baird, Melissa
Juneau, Darlene & Cappy Bisso, Kris
Cogliano, Darla Lexington, Christine
& Bill Napier, Merrill Rome, Virginia
Steepe, Dan Shank, Joanne King
Herring, and Astrid Van Dyke.
2
4
3
5
On May 9, 2013, Houston
Children’s Charity brought
together a star-studded
line-up that epitomized
the dreams and high character necessary of a champion. Over 35 celebrities
headlined the Annual “Gathering of
Champions” event at the home of
Paige and Tilman Fertitta.
This multi-generational event raised
over $125,000 for Houston’s special
children. The evenings vibe was “white
hot” and those in attendance enjoyed
delicacies from Landry’s signature collection of restaurants. The sleek white
couches set the glowing mood on the
pool terrace of the Fertitta’s estate.
Dueling pianos played under the
spectacular skies for the evenings
guests.
The allure of the evening showcased
an outstanding lineup of sports personalities, athletes (both active and legendary), and heroes.
Elvin Bethea.........................................................NFL Hall of Fame; Houston Oiler
Gregg Bingham..................................Spent entire 12 year career as Houston Oiler
Bobby Boswell...................................Houston Dynamo, 2-time MLS Cup Champion
Brian Bosworth..................................................................NFL Linebacker & Actor
Michael Chabala.........................................Veteran Defender for Houston Dynamo
Ray Childress...........................Houston Oilers; 5-time Pro Bowl Defensive Lineman
Brian Ching........................................Houston Dynamo, 3-time MLS Cup Champion
Roger Clemens..................................................................7-time Cy Young winner
Curley Culp............NFL Hall of Fame; Super Bowl IV Champion (Kansas City Chiefs)
Carlos Delfino...............................Houston Rocket; Gold Medalist in 2004 Olympics
Eric Dickerson..................NFL Hall of Fame; Single season rushing yards record (2,105 yd)
Larry Dierker...............2-time All-Star; 1998 Manager of the Year (Houston Astros)
Clyde Drexler....................NBA Hall of Fame; 10-time NBA All-Star; NBA Champion
Marshall Faulk................ NFL Hall of Fame; Super Bowl XXXIV Champion (St. Louis Rams)
TJ Ford............................Naismith College Player of the Year, John Wooden Award
Elvin Hayes.......................NBA Hall of Fame; 12-time NBA All-Star; NBA Champion
Andre Johnson.........Houston Texans MVP Wide Receiver; 7-time Pro Bowl Selection
Ed “Too Tall” Jones................................Super Bowl XII Champion (Dallas Cowboys)
John Lucas.......................................................................NBA player turned coach
Kevin McHale .............................NBA Hall of Fame, 3-time NBA Champion; 7-time All-Star
JJ Moses..................................................................................Houston Texans Ambassador
Dontatas Motiejunas.....................................Houston Rocket; Won the Baltic Championship
Calvin Murphy...........................................NBA Hall of Fame; All-time Free Throw % Leader
Travis Ortmayer ............................................................................America’s Strongest Man
Chandler Parsons.....................................................Houston Rocket; 2013 NBA Rising Star
Drew Pearson...............................................Super Bowl XII Champion (Dallas Cowboys)
Chester Pitts...............................Houston Texans Ambassador; Co-Host of 610 Sports Radio
Kofi Sarkodie............................................Dynamic Outside Defender for Houston Dynamo
Matt Schaub.......................................................Houston Texans; 2-time Pro Bowl Selection
Brian Vickers ..............................Texas Strongest Cop; 5-time World Powerlifting Champion
Charlie Ward ......................Heisman Trophy & Davey O’Brian Award Winner; NLB Draftee
Joe Washington ................................... Super Bowl XVII Champion (Washington Redskins)
JJ Watt ............................................................ Houston Texans All-Pro Defensive Lineman
6
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11
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10
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15
14
13
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Guests mingled with the celebrities and
collected memorabilia and autographs.
Kris Cogliano won the coveted live
auction package that included four
tickets to the 113th US Open and a
round of golf for four at Royal Oaks
Country Club. The signature silent auction items were life-size autographed
cut outs of several Houston Texans players. Dancie Ware took home the #8
Matt Schaub. Monty Meave won the
#81 Owen Daniels. Jeff Hildebrand
won the #99 J.J. Watt. While Kevin
Teichman won both the #80 Andre
Johnson and #99 J.J. Watt. Congratulations on your high bids!
Special recognition goes to John B.
Johnson of Bud Light/Silver Eagle
Distributors for supplying the evening’s
beverages and thanks also go out to
Paige and Tilman Fertitta of Landry’s
Restaurants, Inc., who underwrote the
entire evening.
Join us for this year’s Celebrity Dinner, to
be scheduled in May, as we once again
salute the best and the brightest! As
always the event will be held at the home
of Paige and Tilman Fertitta and only
100 tickets will be sold. IF you would
like to purchase tickets or need more
information, please call our office at
(713) 524 – 2878. This is an evening
you don’t want to miss!!
1. Group Photo
2. Michael Chabala, Kofi Sarkodie, Henry "Hunter" Teichman,
Bobby Boswell
3. Tilman Fertitta, Debbie & Roger Clemens
4. Calvin Murphy, Joe Washington
5. Laura Ward, J.J. Watt
6. Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Laurie & Matt Schaub, J.J. Watt
7. Laura & Dave Ward, Kevin McHale
8. Gary Becker, Kelli Letsos, Norelle & Brian Becker
9. Mindy & Jeff Hildebrand, Paige & Tilman Fertitta
10. Tad Brown, Elvin Hayes
11. Tilman Fertitta, Penny & Paul Loyd
12. Ray Childress, Darla Lexington
13. Eric Dickerson, Patrick Fertitta
14. Perri & Dan D’Armond
15. Elvin Bethea, Curley Culp
16. Sarah Mathai and JJ Moses, Brian Ching and Liz England
17. Andre Johnson, JJ Moses
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to report that Houston
Children’s Charity did amazing things in
2013. Your dedication and support over
this past year was unprecedented. The effort of our Board members, advocates,
donors, sponsors and staff, provided us
with numerous successes never thought
possible.
In 2013, over 35,000 children in the
Houston area received services and benefits through our various programs. Our
2
•
HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY
“Chariots for Children” program
awarded 4 handicapped accessible vans to
families and a 12 passenger van to a local
organization. We also assisted a very worthy family with a handicapped vehicle
modification, which proved to be life-altering for their child. The “Better Night’s
Sleep” program provided more than
1,200 beds for children never before having one. Our “HCC Closet” continued to
show GREAT success and provided clothing to over 2000 children at absolutely no
cost to their families. All of this is a direct
result of your unparalleled generosity and
continued support.
This past December, our three Christmas programs provided support and smiles
for many children. The Adopt-A-Family
program kicked off the holiday season for
•
SPRING 2014
HCC. 2012’s monumental growth was
surpassed when Houstonians reached out
and touched over 624 families helping
over 1,872 children. The Annual Christmas Party, held at the Hyatt Regency
Houston, played host to over 650 children and their families. Over the past 6
years, the Toy Distribution has grown
leaps and bounds. Many thanks to The
Marine Corp’s Reserve “Toys for Tots”
program and Houston First Corporation’s
donation of space in the George R.
Brown Convention Center for assisting
us in making each year better. Both are instrumental in helping us lend a hand to individual families and local agencies during
the holiday season.
As we enter 2014, we must remain
steadfast in our approach. We will con-
tinue to seek out those children who have
otherwise been left behind and strive to
leave no legitimate request for assistance
unanswered. I ask that you continue to dig
deep into your own pool of resources to
help our community’s underserved children.
The Board of Directors and myself want
to give each of YOU our most heartfelt
thanks. We are truly blessed with a multitude of caring and compassionate friends in
our community. Without your generosity
over the past seventeen years we would not
have been able to affect the lives of so many
special children. With your help, I look forward to impacting the lives of many more
children in 2014.
Warm Regards,
Laura S. Ward, Executive Director
T
N OW I L AY M E D OWN T O S LEEP
OO MANY OF HOUSTON’S
CHILDREN DO NOT HAVE BEDS
AND ARE SLEEPING ON THE
FLOOR. Scientific research links
better performance in school to
“A Better Night’s Sleep.” of this
Houston Children’s Charity innovative program, is to provide beds to
children who have never had a
restful place to lay their head.
With outstanding support from
our donors HCC is able to provide
many children in Houston with
exactly what the program offers:
“A Better Night’s Sleep.” In 2013,
over 1200 children were provided a
twin box spring, mattress, and frame,
complete set of sheets, a blanket
and pillow, allowing them the
opportunity to sleep comfortably
every night.
Each month an opportunity for
“A Better Night’s Sleep” is provided
through our bed distribution, held at
the HCC warehouse. Like all of our
HCC programs, this program success
is dependent upon the tireless efforts
and contributions provided by numerous volunteers and donors. We are
blessed to be provided with warehouse space for this program
through the continued generosity of
Melissa and Brad Juneau.
If you are interested in learning
more about this program and helping
us to ensure sweet dreams for our
children, please contact us at
(713) 524 – 2878 or visit our web site at
www.houstonchildrenscharity.org .
lp, one of our
With HCC’s he
ildren –
and her five ch
r
he
ot
m
–a
es
famili
ht’s Sleep”
t “A Better Nig
ge
to
le
ab
w
just one!
is no
bed, instead of
n
ow
r
ei
th
in
helped
–each
Greater Houston
of
es
ic
rv
Se
Family
milies last
dividuals and fa
over 80,000 in
a wonderful
as
w
program
d
be
ur
yo
d
an
d more
year,
better rested an
up
g
in
ak
W
.
ce
resour
ves chilng in school gi
ni
ar
le
to
e
iv
pt
rece
ture!
t to a brighter fu
dren a head star
ity partun
m
m
a great co
g
in
be
r
fo
s
nk
Tha
ne
Margaret Shilsto
ner! Thanks –
HCC Closet
Since Houston Children’s Charity
opened its closet doors 4 years
ago, the closet has continued to
thrive. Thanks to many community donors and volunteers families in need throughout the
Houston area are able to shop for
gently used clothing for their entire family at absolutely no cost to
them. Individual families and
those connected with
a partner agency
are able to
apply and visit
the HCC
Closet.
When
families
are
struggling
through
tough
times buying clothing is not a
top priority
but remains an
essential.
Clothing for babies,
young children, teens and
adults have been collected
through the various efforts of
community members. Hollibrook
Elementary donated seventy
brand new school uniforms.
AWTY International School donated boxes of children’s clothing. Nine year old Halle held a
shoe drive at her birthday party
and asked those in attendance to
gift shoes that she could pass on
to other children who cannot af-
ford them. Savan Shah also asked
his birthday party guests to bring
school uniforms instead of gifts.
Just like these groups and individuals, many others around Houston
have cleaned out their closets and
recycled their clothing to share
with others.
The HCC Closet does not solely
prosper with clothing donations. Many hours of
hard work are put
in by volunteers
and staff
members to
manage
the closet
and sustain its
unique
ambiance.
HCC
Board
Member,
Melissa
Juneau, dedicates many
hours alongside
the various volunteers
to sort clothing and assist individuals as they come through the
closet shopping for their families.
Houston Children’s Charity and
the families served thank all those
that support the HCC Closet and
they need your continued assistance. HCC also sends a very
special thank you to Melissa and
Brad Juneau for their continued
generosity over the past 4 years
and providing space for this much
needed closet.
I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU all for
helping us with the extra beds for
my family. I cannot express how
much it meant for us. The kids
were excited and jumping up
and down.
May God keep helping you all to
be able to help others like we
were helped. Once again words
cannot express how much it
meant for us.
Thank you once again for everything!!!
The Morales Family
(3 beds)
RECEIVIN
G THE BE
DS fr
a blessi
ng from om Houston
Childr
God.
en’s Ch
Becaus
e my k
arity w
ids wer
as
they ha
e sleep
ve a pl
i
n
g
ace to
put the on the floor
God B
ir head
and no
less you
s.
w
all.
Latrec
e Sm i
th (4
beds)
Spring Flings and Easter Things
The Easter Bunny came by today
and left surprises along his way.
Colorful eggs are all around.
With baskets in hand we search the ground.
Hiding in places here and there
Easter eggs are everywhere.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Hippity Hoppity Easters On Its Way! We are
hoppin’ with Easter Egg-citement to announce that Houston Children’s Charity
Annual Easter Party is set for Saturday,
April 12th from 1 – 4 pm at Northland
Christian School. On this afternoon,
over 350 children from the greater
Houston area will be treated to a day
filled with limitless fun, smiles and
laughter.
This afternoon of excitement will
include a petting zoo, pony rides,
numerous inflatables, a train ride,
face painting, games, lots of food,
and as always a special visit from
Cookie Monster and the Easter
Bunny, himself. During the
celebration, the kids will also
enjoy outdoor activities, an Easter
egg hunt and get to take home an
“egg'stra” special board game and
an Easter Basket.
Houston Children’s
Charity is greatly indebted to Steve Lemm
from Northland Christian School for his tireless efforts on
our behalf. HCC would also like to thank Wendy’s,
Pepsi, Randall’s, Oak Farms Dairy, Awesome
Events, Houston PAL Dancers and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Clowns. THANKS to all Easter Party sponsors for making this annual event such a
tremendous success!
If you would like to volunteer for this event please contact our office at
(713) 524 – 2878 ext. 200 or email [email protected].
HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY
•
SPRING 2014 • 3
CHARIOTS FOR CHILDREN
Kasey Bennett
Handicap Accessible Conversion
KASEY BENNETT is an 11 year old boy with Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy Disease. This is a slowly progressive disease that deteriorates the muscles until they
no longer work. Kasey is confined to a wheelchair
and as he grows it will be more difficult to load him
and the wheelchair into the van. Having a handicap
accessible van allows his mother the ability to transport Kasey without lifting him in and out of the
families 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Carlos A. Chavez
Hand icap Acces sible Van
CARLOS A. CHAVEZ is a 4 year old boy with Mitochondria
rdDisorder. Mitochondrial diseases are categorized acco
nt.
prese
toms
symp
ing to the organ systems affected and
Carlos has generalized muscle weakness and global
lly
developmental delay, medically and developmenta
kbrea
y
tantl
cons
is
it
and
fragile. The family has one car
their
ged
chan
has
ing down. A handicap accessible van
and
world. They are able to get to the doctors, schools
other outings as a family.
Young Life Houston Central
12-passenger van
YOUNG LIFE HOUSTON CENTRAL is a non
-profit campus
youth ministry, working with inn
er-city and atrisk kids to provide guidance, dir
ection, and hope
with the message of the Gospel
of Jes
They were awarded a 12 passenger us Christ.
van making it
possible for teens (11 – 18) to hav
e transportation
services to and from activities wh
ere they will
receive guidance and help that the
y would not
otherwise receive.
Diana Reyna
Handicap Accessible Van
l with bone cancer
DIANA REYNA is a 10 year old gir
a’s parents needed to
who is also quadriplegic. Dian
even sustaining their
carry her nearly everywhere,
e new handicap
own injuries trying to do so. Th tirely new life as
en
accessible van allows Diana an grocery store and
s,
vie
she is be able to go to the mo
not do before.
ld
trick-or-treating which she cou
Miguel Aguila
Handicap Accessible Van
MIGUEL AGUILA was diagnosed, at the
age of 8 months, with
Cerebral Palsy, only later to fin
d out he had been misdiagnosed. At 7, the doctors inform
ed his parents that his true
diagnosis was Spinal Muscular
Atrophy (type 2) along
with Scoliosis.
Miguel’s parents have had to rel
y on friends and family
to transport him to doctors’ app
ointments, family outings,
birthday parties, high school foo
tball games to see his sister
dance and other places. He is gro
win
very hard to transport him becaus g so fast it has made it
e of his condition. A
handicap accessible van now allo
ws Miguel, now 9, and his
family to continue to go places
and not be left behind.
Karina Martinez
Handicap Accessible Van
KARINA MARTINEZ, 21 years old, is considered a special
health care needs child, because of her numerous
medical conditions and daily level of care necessary. Karina is confined to her wheelchair. She
must travel with medical equipment and supplies,
as well as her medications. In transporting Karina,
her parents have to take her wheelchair apart and
have 2 to 3 people to lift her into the family car.
This handicap accessible van will change the
world for Karina and her family. They will now
be able to transport her without assistance and
the quality of her life will greatly increase.
THE MUSIC...THE VOICE...THE LEGEND...LIVE!! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
proceeds surpassed the $1.5 million
mark, thanks to underwriting, auctions
and big board bidding – ALL for Houston’s underserved children! HCC owes
a very large part of the success to the
ever generous 2013 Gala Title Sponsors
(and friends) Monty Meave, Momentum BMW Southwest, and Maria
Moncada Alaoui, Momentum BMW
West, who for the 6th year donated
the 2014 BMW 4 Series. The package,
6
which included a tour of the BMW
plant in Munich, air travel, courtesy of
United Airlines, sold for a whopping
$75,000 – Thank You Melissa & Brad
Juneau!
Other High bidders for the evening
included Penny & Paul Loyd. Leticia &
Steve Trauber took home a
custom designed South Sea pearl
earrings by Wayne Smith Jewels.
Jeanette & Jim Woods were the
winning bidders of an 18kt Rose
gold & diamond pendant from
Judith Ann Jewels. Earle Lilly went
home with a spectacular 3-strand
pearl, amethyst & citrine necklace
from Franco Valobra /
Valobra Jewelry. John
12
Johnson secured A
Dinner with a Texan at
The Lexington and a trip
to Cabo. Janice & Tad
Brown are headed to
Cabo, too! DeeDee &
Wallis Marsh procured a
Road Trip with the Rockets
18
then, along with Michael
Hoctor, captured Superstars
on a Super Yacht. Gregory
Miller got his hands on a
fabulous Diana Ross package,
including an autographed
Grammy Guitar. Andrew
Cordes & Brian Teichman
will enjoy a wonderful trip to
Hawaii. Randy Lowry was all
smiles as he won the bidding
on J.J. Watt Autographed
Memorabilia. Edna MeyerNelson and Suzanne Klein
are going to the Superbowl!
Deanna Barton, Karen Thompson
& Maria Bush are going to Live
Like a High Rollers at the
Golden Nugget!
24
In the crowd were Sue &
Lester Smith, Paige & Tilman
Fertitta, Mr. & Mrs. David
Huntington, Kellie Letsos &
Gary Becker, Margaret
Alkek Williams & Jim Daniel,
Rochelle & Alan Jacobson,
Cathy & Jesse Marion,
Maggie & Don
29
Henderson, Ileana
& Michael Treviño,
Trini Mendenhall,
Grant Guthrie, Perri
& Dan D’Armond,
Carol & Dr. Tom
Sawyer, Sherry & Jim
Smith, Mary & Tony
Gracely, Allen Becker,
Norelle & Brian Becker,
Shelby Hodge & Shafik
Rifaat, Tracy & Harry
Faulkner, Laurie
Schaub, Susan Krohn,
Dancie Ware and Sandy &
Dr. Barney Barrett.
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10
13
25
33
32
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HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY
•
SPRING 2014
2
3
5
4
8
7
9
6
11
15
14
16
17
19
22
21
23
20
28
26
27
30
31
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sherry & Jim Smith
Norelle & Brian Becker
Gail Flynn, Laurie Schaub
Ileana & Michael Trevino
Danice & Randy Lowry
Brian Teichman, Dancie Ware,
Andrew Cordes
7. Paula Padgett, Michael Hoctor
8. Dana & Taft McWhorter, Gil Bruvel
9. Sue & Lester Smith
10. Laura & Dave Ward, Tilman Fertitta
11. Gaynell & Clyde Drexler,
Janice & Tad Brown
12. Tracy & Harry Faulkner
13. Mr. & Mrs. David Huntington
14. Mary Lou & Steve Dujka
15. Allen Becker
16. Jim Rosenberg, Tom Becker
17. Perri & Dan D’Armond
18. Christian & Juan Meave, Monty Meave, Karen Klucznik,
Nicoh Anzaldua, Mark Sahagun
19. Jergen (JB) Bartholomai, Edna Meyer-Nelson,
Suzanne Klein
20. Marge & Jerome Johnson, Laura & John Johnson
21. Kelly Letsos, Gary Becker
22. Carolyn Farb, Franco Valobra
23. Trini Mendenhall
24. Omar Alaoui, Maria Moncada Alaoui
25. Mary & Tony Gracely
26. Cathy & Jesse Marion
27. Susan Krohn, Kelly Krohn
28. DeeDee & Wallis Marsh
29. Betty & John Hrncir
30. Shelby Hodge, Shafik Rifaat
31. Cathy Cagle, Earle Lilly
32. Margaret Alkek Williams, Jim Daniel
33. Kris Cogliano, Rebecca Bolin
Underwriter Event
Houston Children’s Charity under1
writers gathered at the home of
Penny & Paul Loyd to celebrate the
2013 Gala Honorees, Leticia &
Stephen Trauber. In true fashion,
the Loyd’s pulled out all the stops for
an elegant evening while ensuring
the success of this year’s gala. The
evening was one of acco2
lades and heartfelt gratitude to this year’s Gala
Underwriters.
HCC President, Tad
Brown, and Executive
Director, Laura Ward,
4
began the presentation
by honoring The
Trauber’s for their
3
philanthropic work and
generous contributions
5
throughout the community. In the limelight
were Monty Meave,
Momentum BMW
Southwest, and Maria
Moncada Alaoui, Mo7
mentum BMW West, for
6
their continued support
as Title Sponsor for the
17th Annual Gala. These two
dealerships have provided
unprecedented resources to
HCC over the past 6 years.
They are truly HCC’s
9
8
“Guardian Angels”.
Tad Brown, Penny & Paul
Loyd then awarded special
gifts to each of the following
Gala Underwriters: Leticia &
Steve Trauber, Paige &
10
Tilman Fertitta, Brad &
Melissa Juneau, Leslie
5
Alexander and The
Houston Rockets, Sue 1
1
& Lester Smith, Becker
12
Family Foundation,
John Johnson, Bud
Light / Silver Eagle Distributers, DeeDee &
Wallis Marsh, Richland
Investments / Edna
Meyer-Nelson, and Fant
13
14
Foundation.
Laura Ward recognized
6
the following sponsor’s that
contributed to this years
event; Steve Trent / Hyatt
Regency Houston, Leon
Sierra / Mid-State Wine &
Liquor, Franco Valobra /
Valobra Master
15
Jewelers,
Wayne Smith /
Wayne Smith
Jewels, Bill Tru9
man /
Judith Ann
Jewels, Barbara
8
McKnight /
CULINAIRE Inspired Cuisine
& Events, Taft
McWhorter /
Taft McWhorter Art, Bullet Rameriz / Valero Family Oil and
Annie Beck / HCC Helping Hands.
1. Maria Moncada Alaoui, Laura Ward,
Monty Meave
2. Melissa & Brad Juneau
3. Thank You Momentum BMW Southwest
& West
4. Sherry & Mike Sutton
5. Penny & Paul Loyd, Leticia & Steve Trauber
6. Maggie & Don Henderson
7. DeeDee & Wallis Marsh
8. Dana & Taft McWhorter
9. Carol & Dr. Tom Sawyer
10. Maria & Doroteo (Bullet) Ramirez, Jr.,
Steven M. Ramirez
11. Barbara & Lance McKnight
12. Peggy & Erik Carrington
13. Leo Hamel, Steve Trent
14. Omar Alaoui, Maria Moncada Alaoui
15. Tad Brown, Laura Ward, Penny & Paul Loyd,
Leticia & Steve Trauber
HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY
•
SPRING 2014 • 5
Next Stop: First Day of School
When one flips the calendar from July
to August the thought of school starts
to enter the brain. With a new school
year there comes mixed feelings for
everyone in
the family.
A fresh start.
Stress of
homework.
Catching up
with old
friends.
Demands of
everyone’s extracurricular
activities.
Moving up to
the next
grade. Fear of not knowing anyone in
your class. But the fear
of not being prepared
with supplies should
never cross one’s mind.
In 2005, Houston
Children’s Charity
started the “Back 2
School” program to alleviate the stress of not
being prepared. The
philosophy behind this
program is that all children should enter the doors on the first
day wearing a new backpack loaded
with supplies.
Each summer the “Back 2 School”
program helps thousands of underserved children in the Houston area.
Since teaming up with The Rod Ryan
Show of 94.5 The Buzz and Joe Dot-
terweich of BullShirts
the assistance given has
proven to be inspiring.
HCC is proud to report that the 2013
“Back 2 School” program was a tremendous success due
to our sponsors and donors. Funds
for this program were raised through
a variety of sources. Listeners of The
Rod Ryan Show raised over $30,017.
Momentum BMW West and Rod
Ryan of 94.5 The Buzz held a
Casino Night at the dealership, on August 1st, which
generated over $4078 to this
amazing program.
Rich Howells, owner of
City Line Cycles of Deer Park,
rolled in with $1,100
from the 4th
Annual “Ain’t
1
Going to Sturgis”
Fun Run. Also, the July
HAHU Luncheon brought in
$372 towards the total
backpacks purchased. Along
with amazing monetary
donations, HCC received
500 sackpacks for the Office Depot Foundation, 25 stuffed
backpacks from Sasol and 43 stuffed
2 from EDP Renewables.
backpacks
On Saturday, August 17th, families
were able to pick up their students
backpacks full of supplies. This day
eased the worries of over 2,900 needy
students in our area. Upon receiving a
backpack, families also collected a
TICKETS galore
“goodie bag”
from the dental
offices of Charles
E. Dyer IV.
Over 50
volunteers from
around the
community
assisted with this single day distribution. BOSS Femme Social Club,
Methodist Hospital, Manheim
Houston Inc., and EDP Renewables were among those
organizations that volunteered to lay
the foundation for upcoming success.
HCC extends a passionate thank you
to BullShirts, The Rod Ryan Show,
Charles Dyer IV, D.D.S and our
dedicated volunteers for helping
us pave the way for scholastic
achievements. These deserving kids
walked into class that first day,
armed with a new back pack, school
supplies, hope and confidence.
S pecial T hanks
Throughout 2013, Houston Children’s Charity was able to treat some
of Houston’s special children to a variety of Houston-area sporting events.
Due to the generous donations from
the following sponsors, many children
were able to have experiences never
before possible. Thank you from the
bottom of our hearts, and please consider doing the same if you are in the
position to do so.
HCC is especially grateful to 24
Hour Fitness and Eleanor Eldridge
for 50 tickets to a January event showcasing the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. These tickets (valued at
$1,625) brought a combination of athleticism, theater, and comedy in basketball fun and family entertainment to
Reliant Arena.
Also big thanks to Reliant Park for
the American Idol Live tickets. 100
tickets (valued at $5,000) allowed our
viewers to watch their reality favorites
in person. The summer tour featured
the season's talented top Finalists.
Reliant Park also donated 50 tickets
to the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix
of Houston. Tickets (valued at
$2,000) allowed children to watch the
excitement on the 1.7 mile temporary
street circuit built in and around the
Reliant Park complex.
20 tickets were donated by
Methodist Hospital to watch the
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans. Tickets for the September 15th
game at Reliant Stadium were valued
at $1,900.
to all supporters throughout the year.Each of you has affected the everyday lives of Houston’s special children.
ABC-13 / KTRK-TV
Abundant Light
Beth and Roy Acton
Doyle Adams, Jr.
Maria Moncada Alaoui / Momentum BMW West
Leslie Alexander & The Houston Rockets
Mr. & Mrs. Stanford Alexander
Alley Theatre
AMS Vans
Apache Corp
Susie Atkins
Awesome Events
AWTY International School
Victoria Barclay / Best Entertainers
Annie Beck
Nancy Beck-Deane
Norelle & Brian Becker
Craig Biggio
Blusource
BMC Software / Dan D'Armond
Bobby Boswell
Ashley Bourne / Cognascents Consulting Group, Inc
Tad Brown
Gil Bruvel
Bud Light / Silver Eagle Distributors
Jeanne Bulnes
Rhonda Burrage
Dana Butler / Teambonding
Earl Campbell
Rocky Carroll / RJ Boot Co.
Michael Chabala
Brian Ching
CÎROC ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA
Debbie & Roger Clemens
Coca-Cola North America / Gary Little
Andrew Cordes / Gittings
Megan & Brian Cushing
D Miller & Associates
Larissa DeLeon / Sasol
Joe Dotterwiech / BullShirts
Downtown Aquarium, Houston
Clyde Drexler
Dynamo Charities & BBVA Compass Stadium
EDP Renewables
Denise Ehrlich / Renaissance Wine Marketing, LLC.
Tristan Farr
Paige & Tilman Fertitta
Ken Fisher / AT&T
Sanfora K. Foote - Houston PAL Dancers
Four Seasons Hotel
Martha & Wilson Franklin / M.L. Leddy's
Scott French / Mister French's Gourmet Bakery
6
•
HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY
•
Tara Gannon / Baldor Electric Southern Texas, Inc.
Michael Gilg
Bob Gonzales / RAG Printing
Mr. & Mrs. James Gordon
Mary & Tony Gracely
Gucci
Grant Guthrie
HAHU (Houston Association of Healthcare Underwriters)
Leo Hamel / Hyatt Regency Houston
Patricia & Pat Harrison
HBREA (Houston Black Real Estate Assocation)
H-E-B
Helping Hands
Sgt. Daniel Hennelly
Shelby Hodge & Shafik Rifaat
Allen Hord
Houston First Corporation
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Houston Police Department - Traffic Enforcement Division
Houston Police Foundation
Dwight Howard
Rich Howell / City Line Cycles
H-Town Classic Annual Charity Basketball Tournament
HTX Supply
Liz Hunt
David Huntington
Sherry & Jeffrey Jablow / Cheeburger Cheeburger
Andre Johnson
John B. Johnson
Judith Ann Jewels
Melissa & Brad Juneau
The Kroger Company
Landry's Inc.
Mr. Steven Lemm / Northland Christian School
Hewy Lewis & The News
Darla Lexington / The Corner Table
Lincoln Project
Penny & Paul Loyd
Patty Lucho / LUCHO
Allen Lyons
Ms. Joan Lyons
Executive Chef Frank Majowicz / Hyatt Regency Houston
Peyton Manning
Robert Marsh / E-Signs
Master Mattress Works
Barbara McKnight / CULINAIRE Inspired Cuisine & Events
Taft McWhorter / Taft McWhorter Art
Monty Meave / Momentum BMW Southwest
Methodist Hospital I CARE In Action
Yao Ming
Montblanc North America
MST Foundation
SPRING 2014
Darryl Murchison / Darryl & Co.
Bobbie & John Nau III
Oak Farms Dairy
Office Depot Foundation
Orange Shoe Personal Fitness
Kim Padgett
Chandler Parsons
PepsiCo Inc.
Steven Pippington
Prada
Alycia Preston / TopSpot IMS
Randall's Food Markets
Kim Roberts / Percheron
Joseph Rocchi / Accutek
Nolan Ryan
Rod Ryan 94.5 The Buzz
Sakowitz Furs
Saks Fifth Avenue
Edward Sanchez / Vanity Lounge
Kofi Sarkodie
Carol & Dr. Tom Saywer
Laurie & Matt Schaub
Schlumberger Technology Team Build
Rosalie Sharkey
Amy Shaughnessy / United Airlines
Leon Sierra / Bronco Wine Company and Mid-State Wine
Wayne Smith / Wayne Smith Jewels
Kenny Stainton
Stacey Swift / Neiman Marcus
Sysco Corporation
Team Teddy Bear Rescue
Texas Young Professionals
Darren Tompkins / Houston Zombie Walk
Leticia & Steve Trauber
Steve Trent / Hyatt Regency Houston
Stephanie Trukas / Teambonding
US Marine Corps ~ 1st Battalion 23rd Marine Regiment,
4th Marine Division
Valero Houston Refinery
Officer Al Vallejo
Donna & Tony Vallone
Franco Valobra / Valobra Jewelry
Laurette Veers
Hector Villarreal / LUCHO
Skip Walters / Premier IMS Mailhouse
Dave Ward / ABC-13 KTRK-TV
J.J. Watt
Wendy's Old Fashion Hamburgers
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wilkins and Ms. Mary Reynolds
Pamela & Jack Wright / The Wright Pawn & Jewelry Co., Inc.
Your Friends at Budweiser
HO! HO! HO! Tis the “MAGIC” of the Season
Each year Houston Children’s Charity anticipates the “Christmas MAGIC” that waits around
the corner. As the year
comes to a close, organiz1
ing three different events
for the Holiday Season
becomes priority one!
The Adopt-A-Family
program allows Houstonians the opportunity
to create “Christmas
MAGIC” by becoming
a family “Sponsor.”
The enthusiasm was
2
vast for 2013 with over
470 sponsors participating
in this program. Thanks
to their generosity, we were
able to help 624 families
with 1,872 children. Christmas miracles do happen!!!
Hyatt Regency Houston hosted our Annual Children’s Christmas
Party to over 650 children and their families.
Everyone was treated to food, toys, goodies, entertainment and of course the arrival of Santa
and Mrs. Claus (thank you David Devaney and
Jeanne Bulnes).
Partygoers were entertained
3
with a family photo shoot, face
painting and appearances by
Cookie Monster and friend. We
would like to extend a special
thanks to Houston Livestock
Show and Rodeo Speakers
Committee Rodeo
4
Clowns and Denim &
Diamonds Line Dance
Team, Matthew Swope
"Strolling Juggler" (courtesy of Victoria Barclay &
Best Entertainers), children dancers from Houston PAL, Houston
Rockets Power Dancers & Clutch and special
friends from the Houston Aquarium Downtown who also brought smiles to the children’s
faces.
HCC received donations from Sysco, Oak
E
VERY YEAR, WE "ADOPT" A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS
THROUGH HOUSTON CHILDREN'S CHARITY. As soon
as I get the info from HCC about our family we're
adopting, I call them. The mom was really nice. She let me
talk to the kids. They are VERY poor. But the kids, of
course—they want things. The kids are 17, 13, 10, and 9.
Juan is 17, Jose is 10, Mary is 13, and Brittney is 9.
When I talked to Brittney on the phone, she asked me
if she could ask for anything in the whole world. I gave
the usual little speech about how she can ask for anything,
but that doesn't mean I can get her anything, and I really
just want some ideas. Brittney took a deep breath and said
one word: Barbie. I asked her what kind of Barbie and she
said, "I really really want one that comes with clothes and
shoes." Jose asked me how many things he could ask for.
I told him he could ask for whatever he wanted, but I
wouldn't be able to get him everything. But then he
couldn't think of anything at first. It was a sweet conversation and, in the end, he asked if it would be all right to say
"bicycle" for the list. Mary, at 13, just wanted clothes. Juan
is 17, but has an intellectual disability. When I asked him,
he said, "A DRUM!" I asked him if there was anything else
he wanted. He said, "Two drums!" I asked if there was
anything else, and in a voice that indicated he thought I
was not that smart, he said, "Cymbals, of course."
When the mom got back on the phone, she told me
that her phone would likely get cut off on November 30 so
she gave me her home number. She said, "Just in case that
gets cut off, too, let me give you my daughter's number." I
said, "So is this Mary's cell phone?" She said, "No, I have a
23-year-old daughter named Victoria. Is there any way
her kids could get on your list, too, cause she has a 3year-old girl and a 6 year-old-boy, but she lost her job in
the summer and they won't have a Christmas at all this
year." What could I say?
able to con .
e
b
to
D
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L
ration
D HUMB
Y HONORED AN mily’s holiday celeb nd for
R
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V
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R
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fa
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cting them
tribute to th very much for sele e kind people
so
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Thank you able work you and n’s Charity
tt
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th
rt
o
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that su
n provide.
organizatio
Farms Dairy, Randall’s,
5
Kroger’s and PepsiCo.
Also, West Houston
Orthodontics provided
candy through their annks
nual Candy Buy Back
nd Dennis Fra
a
n
so
il
W
la
e
Pam
ategies
event. The Marine Corp’s
Control Str
k
is
R
Reserve “Toys for Tots”
program provided all of
the gifts the kids received
WE COULDN'T H
AVE THOUGHT O
F A BET TER WAY
during the event.
We are hap
to give this
py that we c
year.
A special thank you
ould help a
was most su
fa
m
rp
il
ri
6
y
se
in
d to learn th
goes out to Beth & Roy
need. I
a Christmas
at our famil
tree to put th
y didn't hav
Acton for organizing the
e gifts unde
e
that will be
r so next ye
first on my
annual event for a fourth year.
a
r
list.
Thanks,
Beth led a team of volunteers,
Jacob Mantell
that hand-picked and packaged the toys handed out by
Santa and Mrs. Claus. At the
event, Bryce Ballew personally introduced each family as
they entered the ballroom.
We asked you to move coats from one “Closet” to
This unique touch that made
another…. and you did so without hesitation and with a
our families feel welcome
BANG!!!!
and special.
Over 350 coats were purchased (valued at $6,865) and
Our Toy Distribution has
7
110 were donated (valued
grown over the past 6 years.
at $3,300).
Our gratitude goes out to
These coats were disSergeant Daniel Hennelly for
7
tributed during the HCC
his assistance in securing and
Toys for Tots Toy Distriorganizing the “Toys for Tots”
bution
program. Both, The Marine
8
at The George R. Brown Convention Center.
Corp’s Reserve “Toys for
SPECIAL THANKS to Penny & Paul Loyd, Debbie &
Tots” program and HousBob
Ogle, Edna Meyer-Nelson, the staff at Judith Ann
ton First Corporation’s
Jewels,
Carol Sawyer, Steven Pippington and Melissa
donation of 125,000
& Brad Juneau.
square feet at the George
R. Brown Convention
Center have been influen9
1. Clutch
tial in expanding our ability
2. Invited Party Guest
to assist more and more children. Each day
3. Brittany Gates, Knuckles, a prehensile-tailed skink
the quality of volunteers that assisted us in
from the Solomon Islands
4. Volunteer & invited guests at face painting station
distribution was unprecedented. It would
5. Santa & Invited guests
have not been a success without the help of
6. Bryce Ballew, Beth Acton
10
sponsors, volunteers and donors alike – we
7. Sgt. Daniel Hennelly, Sgt. Ray Willingham
thank you!
8. Matthew Swope “The Rolling Juggler”
9. Gary Becker, Morgan Becker, Ms. Claus, Haley Becker
During our two-day distribution, one family member was able to
10. Houston Rockets Power Dancers
walk through the giant isles of toys and select “just the right one” for
their children. The distribution benefitted over 27,000 children.
Coats for Kids
Christmas Miracle Story
I also asked if the kids needed bedding like sheets or
comforters. I always ask that question because it's so nice
to have new sheets and a comforter, but it's not high on
the list of things to buy, when you don't have much
money. She hesitated and then said, "Ma'am, we don't
have beds. We all just sleep on the floor. We don't have
furniture at
all." The lump
in my throat
just didn't let
me speak at
first. She went
on to say that
they used to
have mattresses on the
floor, but three
years ago, they
got bed bugs
and had to
throw them
out. So for
three years, the
mom and four
kids have been
sleeping on the
floor.
After I got off the phone, I looked at her address and
realized that she lived close by, on a street I knew well because my grandparents lived on that street from 1930
until their deaths. I drove over to the street and discovered that our adopted family lived directly across the
street from the house my grandfather built. That was such
an emotional connection for me. This is street where I
spent a lot of my childhood. It's where my Dad lived when
he met and married my Mom. It's where I came from. It
was just emotional for me. I decided then and there that
we were going to give this family a memorable
Christmas.
I talked to the mom a couple of days later and she
mentioned that they were just about out of food. I asked
if she got food stamps and
she said that she had been
getting $216 a month in
food stamps for her family
of 5 (including 2
teenagers), but the government recently cut benefits and now she gets
$140. Can you imagine?
So I shopped and took a
bunch of groceries to her.
In terms of food, all I saw
in the house was half of a
jar of peanut butter and
half of a box of cereal.
The house they live in is
small. It isn't the main
house on the property. It's
a very small house in the
back. It's just a living
room, kitchen, bathroom, and two very small bedrooms.
The only furniture they have is an old loveseat that they
got out of someone's trash, and they have it propped up
on bricks and covered with an old sheet. No table and
chairs. No beds. No anything. A friend of mine bought an
entire Thanksgiving dinner for the family, and they had to
eat it on the floor. As the weather got colder, and they
were sleeping on the floor, the mother told me that they
were using the kitchen stove as their only source of heat.
I got small electric heaters for them.
Every year, the generous people at Gallery Furniture
give away a houseful of furniture to many families in
need. This year, in honor of the 30th year of this amazing
program, they are giving away furniture to 30 families. A
friend of mine suggested I apply for the family to be considered for this phenomenal giveaway. I wrote to Gallery
Furniture and, a few weeks later, I got the call I was hoping to get. Gallery Furniture was going to provide furniture to this sweet family.
On Tuesday, December 17, it happened. I had enlisted
the help of the oldest daughter to help me get the kids
out of school a little early to come enjoy the surprise that
Gallery Furniture was about the provide for the family.
She had other relatives there, too. They knew that there
was going to be a surprise, but they had no idea, until
that Gallery Furniture truck pulled up in front of the
house, what that surprise would be. When GF's Georgia
Ann Spears told the mom that she was about to get a
houseful of furniture, the mom didn't dance or scream.
She just immediately grabbed Georgia Ann in a big hug
that was long and so intense that we all thought they
were going to fall over. And then she gave me that same
kind of wonderful "all-in" hug. The whole family watched
in astonishment as bed after bed was carried inside the
house. Two sets of bunk beds, a day bed, and even two
beds for the oldest daughter's two children, plus a sofa,
and a table and chairs. Telemundo was there to interview
everyone, which was another immeasurable thrill for the
family. I was just happy to know that each person in the
family would be sleeping in a bed that night, and eating
meals together at that table.
At this time of year, people talk a lot about Christmas
miracles. I'm grateful that I got to be part of one.
HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY
•
SPRING 2014 •7
Stay Connected!
Houston Children’s Charity
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Tilman J. Fertitta, Chairman of the Board
Thaddeus B. Brown, President
John B. Johnson, Immediate Past-President
Grant W. Guthrie, Vice President / Funding Co-Chair
Edna Meyer-Nelson, Vice President / Funding Co-Chair
Donald J Henderson, Secretary
Gary D. Becker, Treasurer
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Laura S. Ward
DIRECTORS
Daniel R. D’Armond
Melissa H. Juneau
Darla S. Lexington
Penny Loyd
DeeDee H. Marsh
Robert A. Marsh
Dr. Lois J. Moore
Michael F. Rogers
Brian H. Teichman
230 Westcott
Suite 202
Houston, TX 77007
713-524-2878
u
“O
”
r Kids are
s
eve
d
i
ry b
Ody’s K
ADVISORY BOARD
J. Downey Bridgwater
Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell
Michael C. Linn
Paul B. Loyd
John L. Nau, III
Robert E. Ogle
Dr. David G. Poplack
David H. Ward
James D. Woods
We are always in need of caring volunteers.
Please contact the HCC office at (713) 524-2878 ext. 200
or email us at [email protected]
with your name, address, phone number and availability.
We appreciate your support!
If you are interested in learning more about
any of our programs featured in “Kidstuff”,
contact us at (713) 524-2878 or visit our web site.
www.facebook.com/houstonchildrenscharity
www.houstonchildrenscharity.org
2014 Upcoming Events
“A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP”
“BACK 2 SCHOOL”
(bed distribution) –Every Month
Saturday
August 16, 2014
“HCC CLOSET”
Semi-Monthly visits (Tuesday only)
CHILDREN’S EASTER PARTY
April 12, 2014
(at Northland Christian School)
18TH ANNUAL GALA
November 8, 2014
(at Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown)
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
December 14, 2014
(at Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown)
ADOPT – A – FAMILY
CELEBRITY EVENING
TBD
“KOOL KIDZ”
Spring - Fall
October - December
TOY DISTRIBUTION
December 19, 2014 (Friday)
December 20, 2014 (Saturday)