Fall 2007 - Houston Children's Charity
Fall 2007 - Houston Children's Charity
Fall 2007 - Houston Children's Charity
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10th Annual Gala<br />
Christmas Party<br />
Easter Party<br />
pages 5-7 page 10 page 11<br />
Kid Stuff<br />
Spring <strong>2007</strong><br />
A Look Back At A Decade of Caring<br />
Laura Ward<br />
Executive Director<br />
Dear Friends of <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong>,<br />
On this, <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong>’s 10th anniversary,<br />
I would personally like to pay a well-deserved tribute<br />
to each of you, our supporters and friends, who have<br />
made the choice to support us over the last decade. Your<br />
continued dedication to <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong> is<br />
evidence of your commitment to helping children; the<br />
real beneficiaries of your generosity.<br />
Over the last 10 years we have been proud to donate<br />
62 vans and two trucks to <strong>Houston</strong> agencies, entertain<br />
over 3,500 children at our Easter party, host over 6,000<br />
children at our Hyatt Christmas party, and provide for<br />
25,000 children during the Christmas season. Additionally,<br />
we have assisted numerous individual families<br />
who would otherwise have had nowhere to turn.<br />
HCC has helped children recover from and cope with<br />
debilitating disease and injury over the past decade by<br />
providing life-enhancing support ranging from surgeries<br />
to prostheses and from wheelchairs to specially<br />
equipped vans. We have also been proud to assist the<br />
many families who have made <strong>Houston</strong> their home in<br />
the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.<br />
Countless children with special needs are left without<br />
a source of support or refuge on a daily basis. The<br />
abandonment and abuse of these children are not acts<br />
of God, they are failures of love. We must dedicate<br />
ourselves to providing every child with the opportunity<br />
to grow up healthy, safe, and well educated.<br />
Your contributions, and those of other individuals who<br />
believe in our mission, have helped many deserving<br />
children reach their full potential. Our programs and<br />
services for children have flourished through your<br />
combined efforts; our individual contributors, dedicated<br />
volunteers, and a concerned corporate community.<br />
As we each invest our resources to help make <strong>Houston</strong><br />
a more productive and supportive environment in which<br />
to live, we are nurturing America’s future, our children.<br />
Your continued support of <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong><br />
will substantially increase opportunities for children<br />
and our ability to provide for them. “Our Kids are<br />
Everybody’s Kids.”<br />
The past decade has been a journey full of service, love,<br />
and joy. Your continued support is an indication that<br />
you are along for the ride toward a brighter future for<br />
<strong>Houston</strong>’s children, and I thank you.<br />
Warm Regards,<br />
In this issue...<br />
And the award goes to ... pages 2-3<br />
Underwriter Party ... page 4<br />
A Night To Remember ... pages 5-7<br />
One Enchanted Evening ... page 8<br />
A Star-Studded Affair ... page 9<br />
‘Tis The Season ... page 10<br />
Happy Easter ... page 11<br />
1
Charles Joekel, The Honorable Mayor Bill White & Gary Becker<br />
And the award goes to...<br />
<strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong> celebrated its 10th<br />
anniversary on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at the Hyatt<br />
Regency <strong>Houston</strong>. An awards luncheon was held in<br />
honor of all those who have made it possible over the last<br />
decade for HCC to improve the quality of life for Greater<br />
<strong>Houston</strong>’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children<br />
who have been otherwise left behind.<br />
The reception in the Imperial Ballroom included<br />
Mistress of Ceremonies Warner Roberts, a message from<br />
keynote speaker Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell and a presentation<br />
by Mayor Bill White issuing a special proclamation,<br />
declaring it “<strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong> Day.” The<br />
afternoon also included a donation of specially modified<br />
vans to two “Gridiron Heroes”; young men who have sustained<br />
life altering spinal cord injuries during the course<br />
of playing football.<br />
The 10th Anniversary Awards Luncheon was truly<br />
a touching event as we celebrated those who have<br />
benefited from our assistance and, in particular, those who<br />
have made that assistance possible over the last decade.<br />
(Photography by Pete Baatz)<br />
Judy Nichols Pam Wright Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell Laura Ward & Vikki Vines<br />
Marcus Woods Gridiron Heroes Warner Roberts & Joey Boesch Bobbie & John Nau, III<br />
Tena & Tyson Faust Jesse & Cathy Marion, Laura Ward Anna Williams Darla Lexington & John O’Quinn<br />
Gary Becker, Laura & Dave Ward Patricia & Pat Harrison Maggie & Don Henderson, Laura Ward Melanie Lawson & John Guess<br />
2
Distinguished Awards<br />
Becker Family Emergency Fund Award - Shirley and Allen Becker<br />
Shining Star - Dave Ward - KTRK - TV Channel 13 News Anchor<br />
Golden Gavel - Vikki Vines - Gallery Auctions<br />
Media Champion - Shelby Hodge - <strong>Houston</strong> Chronicle<br />
Society Columnist<br />
Guardian Angel - David Devaney<br />
HCC’s New Best Friend - Glenn Wakefield<br />
HCC’s Largest Individual Gift - Gerri Greer<br />
Heart Award - Cathy and Jesse Marion<br />
Lifetime of Giving - Darla Lexington and John O’Quinn<br />
Spirit of Service - Patricia and Pat Harrison<br />
Warehouse Associates<br />
Corporate Commitment - Bobbie and John Nau, III<br />
Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.<br />
Heart of <strong>Houston</strong> - Warner Roberts<br />
Excellence in Volunteerism<br />
Janice and Kem Buice<br />
Vicki Matthews-Clark<br />
Joann and Bill Crassas<br />
Madeleine and Mark Crawford<br />
Deborah Duncan<br />
Frost Bank - The A Team<br />
Gwen Joekel<br />
Steve Lemm<br />
Carol and Tom Sawyer<br />
Patricia and Larry Sinclair<br />
Anna Williams<br />
Pam Wright<br />
Marti Shlenker (posthumously)<br />
Helping Hands<br />
Phillip Diamond - Owner of Lily and...<br />
Darryl Murchison - Owner of Darryl Murchison Designs<br />
Bob Gonzales - President of RAG Printing<br />
Ed Pritchard - V.P. Fleet Management,<br />
Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.<br />
Richard Flowers - C.O.O., The Events Company<br />
Kirksey Gregg - Director of Special Events,<br />
The Events Company<br />
Michael Gilg - V.P. Production/Executive Producer, XL Films<br />
Joey Boesch - Composer, Pianist and Vocalist Extraordinaire<br />
John O’Rourke - Owner, Charlie O’Rourke’s<br />
Ron Bailey - Owner/President Data Stream Technologies<br />
Judy Nichols - Judy Nichols and Associates<br />
HCC’s Scholarship Award<br />
Recipients<br />
Each Student Received a<br />
$12,000 College Scholarship<br />
Desirae Mock - 10th Grade<br />
Chloe Lewis - 10th Grade<br />
Sanjuanita Mottu - 11th Grade<br />
Jaime Alvizar - 11th Grade<br />
(as pictured, left to right)<br />
Special Thanks to Our Volunteers Who Have<br />
Supported <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong> Over<br />
the Last Ten Years<br />
Jeff Abt<br />
Dane Addison<br />
Leann Anderson<br />
Suzanne and Jim<br />
Anderson<br />
Michael Arnett<br />
Joel Ashby<br />
Kristie Austin<br />
Laura Austin<br />
Kathy Bailey<br />
Will Bailey<br />
Jared Bane<br />
Melissa Barton<br />
Stephanie Bazille<br />
Shirley and Allen<br />
Becker<br />
Susan and Gary Becker<br />
Jill Bell<br />
Karrie Bellard<br />
Ryan Bennett<br />
Harsh Bhasin<br />
Malcolm Brown<br />
Janice and Kem Buice<br />
Buffalo Glass<br />
Emily Cano<br />
Daren Cantu<br />
Luis Carabali<br />
Austin Carnes<br />
Sarah Chism<br />
Neva Clark<br />
Vicki Matthews-Clark<br />
Zach Cohen<br />
Megan Conner<br />
Joann and Bill Crassas<br />
Madeleine and Mark<br />
Crawford<br />
Caroline Cubberley<br />
David Devaney<br />
Phillip Diamond<br />
Brandon Drenon<br />
Deborah Duncan<br />
Katherine El Guermai<br />
Rob Elliott<br />
Ryan Ellis<br />
Steven Fernandez<br />
Allison Flanagan<br />
Richard Flowers<br />
Michael Foley<br />
Steve Foley<br />
Gina Foroi<br />
Frost Bank - The A Team<br />
Judge Annette Galik<br />
Joey Garcia<br />
Gregory Giles<br />
Bob Gonzales<br />
Carolyn Goodwin<br />
Ashley Green<br />
Gerri Greer<br />
Kirksey Gregg<br />
Christina and Jerry Gronauer<br />
Jackie Haney<br />
Johnni Hartman<br />
Deborah Guthrie<br />
Grant Guthrie<br />
Kelly Guthrie<br />
Patricia and Pat Harrison<br />
Josh Hawkins<br />
Alan Hayes<br />
Shelby Hodge<br />
Liza Ibarra<br />
Austin Jackson<br />
Judy Jackson<br />
Travis Jackson<br />
Ronnie Jackson<br />
LaChankda Jenkins<br />
Ashley Jeter<br />
Gwen Joekel<br />
Becky Johnston<br />
Kai Spa<br />
Rowan Keele<br />
Natalie Kenreck<br />
Kim Keyes<br />
Matt Krob<br />
Kristy and Greg Kroencke<br />
Steve Lemm<br />
Darla Lexington and John<br />
O’Quinn<br />
Lori Madsen<br />
Cathy and Jesse Marion<br />
Kathi Marsh<br />
Michelle and Robert<br />
Marsh<br />
Roy Marsh<br />
Jeff Matthews<br />
Kay McCallum<br />
Robert Medoza<br />
Belinda Mendoza<br />
Kathleen Milazzo<br />
Jennifer Miller<br />
Christina Mitchell<br />
Angela Montalvo<br />
Ryan Morgan<br />
Madalyn Morse<br />
Tikisha Mosley<br />
Darryl Murchison<br />
Chelsea Muyskens<br />
Bobbie and John Nau, III<br />
Michelle Neaves<br />
Cheryl Noppe<br />
Richard Patton<br />
Stefanie Plotkin<br />
Nataly Pogrebinsky<br />
Ed Pritchard<br />
Casey Proctor<br />
Roger Randall<br />
Vanessa Riascos<br />
Brian Rincon<br />
Warner Roberts<br />
Ray Rogers<br />
Kourtney Roopwah<br />
Corey Rowe<br />
Brooke Roy<br />
Jenna Sabatini<br />
Chariots for Children Van Program<br />
Since its inception, HCC has<br />
awarded 62 vans and 2 trucks<br />
at a total cost of $1,763,444.<br />
1997<br />
A Child is Born Family Outreach<br />
(2 Vans)<br />
1998<br />
Children’s Assessment Center<br />
<strong>Houston</strong> PAL<br />
Casa de Esperanza<br />
1999<br />
Zina Garrison’s All Court Tennis<br />
Foundation (2 Vans)<br />
Children’s Assessment Center<br />
Odyssey House Texas, Inc.<br />
(2 Vans)<br />
HOPE Shelter, Inc.<br />
2000<br />
Jaycee’s Children’s Center<br />
<strong>Houston</strong> PAL<br />
St. Joseph’s Inn<br />
Covenant House Texas<br />
2001<br />
The Children’s Center, Inc.<br />
Willie C. McDuffie<br />
Treatment Center<br />
Families Under Urban<br />
and Social Attack<br />
2001 cont.<br />
<strong>Houston</strong> Area Women’s Center<br />
Wesley Community Center<br />
Conroe ISD/PAL<br />
KIPP Academy<br />
La Rosa<br />
Texas Adaptive Aquatics<br />
Easter Seals<br />
2002<br />
Center for Success &<br />
Independence<br />
The Seaborne Challenge Corps<br />
S.E.A.R.C.H.<br />
Greg and Pola Hampton<br />
Pro-Vision, Inc.<br />
The Nehemiah Center<br />
2003<br />
Covenant House Texas<br />
Hope Shelter, Inc.<br />
Phoenix Outreach Youth Center<br />
Texas Adaptive Aquatics<br />
Hope for Youth<br />
New Hope Youth Center<br />
Ronald McDonald House<br />
Trinity Foster Care <strong>Houston</strong><br />
Nick Salinas<br />
Carol and Tom Sawyer<br />
Lindsey Serres<br />
Rose Shelton<br />
Patricia and Larry Sinclair<br />
Summer Steele<br />
Chuck Stephenson<br />
Todd Stern<br />
Ryan Still<br />
Jacqueline Stone<br />
Philip Swanson<br />
Nick Tammaro<br />
Janis Terry<br />
Jessica Terry<br />
Kate Terry<br />
Ben Theriot<br />
Jennifer Theriot<br />
Vivian Thibeaux<br />
Tabitha Tillman<br />
Mary Ellen Townsend<br />
Garret Van Dyke<br />
Desiree Velasquez<br />
Becky Vidal<br />
Brandon Villafano<br />
Vikki Vines<br />
Brandi and Glenn<br />
Wakefield<br />
Carrie Wall<br />
J.N. Wall<br />
Taylor Wall<br />
Dave Ward<br />
David Weston<br />
Molly Whalberg<br />
Delores Whiting<br />
Anna Williams<br />
Brittany Wilson<br />
Elena Witt<br />
Pam Wright<br />
Marti and Kevin Young<br />
Sherri Zucker<br />
2004<br />
Solutions 2 Changing Lives<br />
Refuge Community Development<br />
Center<br />
Conroe ISD/PAL<br />
Jaycee’s Children’s Center<br />
2005<br />
Anointed Child Care, Inc.<br />
Timothy Project<br />
Treasure Our Community<br />
City Wide Club<br />
Covenant House Texas<br />
Boys & Girls Country<br />
2006<br />
The Furniture Bank<br />
Families Under Urban<br />
and Social Attack<br />
The Center for Success &<br />
Independence<br />
S.E.A.R.C.H.<br />
Gridiron Heroes<br />
(2 Vans: LaJuan Moore &<br />
Zigwon Carter)<br />
Pleasant Hill Academy<br />
Casa de Esperanza<br />
Prevent Blindness Texas<br />
The House of <strong>Charity</strong><br />
3
Sandy & Randall Stilley<br />
Laura Ward,<br />
Gil & Marianne Bruvel<br />
Laura Marchand<br />
& Laurette Veres<br />
Underwriter<br />
Party<br />
Stephen Joest, Tracy Hendrix,<br />
Greg Rosenberg, Kaylin Harr<br />
Edna Meyer-Nelson, Jackie Brown,<br />
Suzanne Klein, Jerome Blockman<br />
Lou Gregory & Linda Lorelle,<br />
Vicki & Don Clark<br />
George DeMontrond, Penny & Paul B.<br />
Loyd, Jr., Marilyn DeMontrond<br />
Paul B.Loyd,Jr., Laura Ward, Penny Loyd<br />
George DeMontrond, Dorothy Nicholson,<br />
Marilyn DeMontrond<br />
Michael Gilg, Lester & Sue Smith,<br />
Grant Guthrie<br />
Joey & Valerie Boesch<br />
Robert & Debbie Ogle Marti & Kevin Young Tom Davis,<br />
Carol & Dr. Tom Sawyer<br />
4<br />
On the eve of the largest event in <strong>Houston</strong><br />
Children’s <strong>Charity</strong>’s history, the event underwriters<br />
gathered at the home of hosts Penny<br />
and Paul B. Loyd, Jr. for an evening of cocktails,<br />
hors d’oeuvres and accolades.<br />
Gala Chairpersons, Marilyn and<br />
George DeMontrond III, gladly accepted the<br />
honor of presenting crystal vases to the event<br />
underwriters including Becker Family Foundation,<br />
Charles L. Joekel, Edna Meyer-<br />
Nelson, Hyatt Regency <strong>Houston</strong>, Michelle<br />
and Robert Marsh Family Funding, L.P.,<br />
Pacesetter Personnel, Paige and Tilman J.<br />
Fertitta/Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., Sterling<br />
Bank, The Lester & Sue Smith Foundation<br />
and Williams Bailey LLP.<br />
The DeMontronds also presented awards<br />
to the Benefactors and Sponsors, receiving a<br />
Nambe crystal bowl and a Nambe miniature<br />
bowl set, respectively. The Benefactors included<br />
Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.,<br />
Budweiser/Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Penny and<br />
Paul B. Loyd, Jr., Dorothy T. Nicholson and<br />
Jeanette and Jim Woods. Sponsors included<br />
Berg and Androphy, DeMontrond Automotive<br />
Group, Greater <strong>Houston</strong> Orthopedic<br />
Specialists/Dr. Henry J. Blum, Dr. Eric F.<br />
Berkman and Dr. Charles Metzger, Hercules<br />
Offshore, Inc., Jenny and David Moore, Magenheim<br />
& Associates, Nopal Resources, The<br />
John M. O’Quinn Foundation, The Marion<br />
Foundation, The Tony Gracely Family and<br />
Windsor Village United Methodist Church.<br />
Executive Director Laura Ward recognized<br />
the many giving people that help make<br />
the Gala a success each year in addition to giving<br />
a preview of one of the spectacular auction<br />
items for the following evening; a handmade<br />
32-piece chess set created by the visionary artist<br />
Gil Bruvel. (Photography by Pete Baatz)
Gala 1<br />
A Night to<br />
Remember<br />
<strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong><br />
10th Annual Gala<br />
Celebrating a Decade of Caring, <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong>’s<br />
10th Annual Gala literally rocked with great - you guessed it - rock n’<br />
roll, a sell-out crowd, and the largest fundraising event in the charity’s<br />
history.<br />
More than 600 guests crowded the Hyatt Regency <strong>Houston</strong> for<br />
the over-the-top gala chaired by Marilyn and George A. DeMontrond,<br />
III and honoring Sue and Lester Smith.<br />
Never one to disappoint, HCC filled the Imperial Ballroom with<br />
ice carvings displaying the charity’s<br />
10th anniversary logo atop<br />
custom designed square remote<br />
controlled light tables changing<br />
colors throughout the evening, a<br />
visual masterpiece of laser lights<br />
and four immense screens on<br />
which to view the events of the<br />
night.<br />
In an exceptional moment of generosity,<br />
a $1,000,000 pledge in honor of<br />
HCC’s Executive Director Laura Ward<br />
was made by the Board of Directors of HCC<br />
to Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center<br />
to establish the <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong><br />
Emergency Family Fund. But in the spirit of<br />
“breaking news,” Master of Ceremonies Dave Ward also announced to<br />
the wildly applauding crowd, that an anonymous matching gift had been<br />
made in the amount of $1,050,000 putting the charity’s net proceeds at<br />
over $2,150,000. The anonymous grant is to be used exclusively to support<br />
Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center at the direction of Dr. David<br />
Poplack.<br />
HCC Board President Gary Becker introduced TCH President<br />
Mark Wallace and Dr. David Poplack who acknowledged the tremendous<br />
giving spirit of the mystery couple who made this gift. Ward said it<br />
best....”we can assume that this couple are simply committed to supporting<br />
the wonderful work of <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong> and Texas Children’s<br />
Hospital - and are willing to do so without any recognition, accolades or<br />
fanfare.”<br />
In true HCC fashion, the live auction<br />
was over the top, netting $400,000 for the<br />
evening. High bidders included Robert<br />
Marsh, Allen Kent and Wayne Turner<br />
who paid $70,000 for a celebrity party at<br />
the home of Paige and Tilman Fertitta<br />
and John Speer who paid $40,000 for<br />
a private tour of Althorp in London, the<br />
home of the late Princess Diana, guided<br />
by The Right Honorable Earl<br />
Spencer. The crowd then boogied<br />
until the wee hours to the hit music<br />
of Huey Lewis and the News.<br />
In the crowd were<br />
Shirley and Allen Becker, Brian<br />
and Stacy Becker, Sharon Bush,<br />
Suzette and Pastor Kirbyjon<br />
Caldwell, Kara and Ray Childress, Judy and Larry Dierker, Elizabeth<br />
and George Farish, Mary and Tony Gracely, Tissy & Rusty Hardin,<br />
Erica Hunter and Jeremy Leediker, Sunni and Gary Markowitz,<br />
John Speer and Donna Briggs and Sheridan and John Eddie Williams.<br />
(Photography by Pete Baatz and Leslie Suggs)<br />
5
Maggie & Don Henderson, Elly Berman Tissy & Rusty Hardin Sheridan & John Eddie Williams<br />
Dr. Hank & Jackie Blum Pastor Kirbyjon & Suzette Caldwell Melissa, George & Marilyn DeMontrond<br />
Gabriella & Daniel Dror<br />
Tony & Mary Gracely<br />
Doug Drabek & Laura Ward<br />
Maryann & Jodie Hoffer<br />
Ken & Gwen Joekel<br />
Lester & Sue Smith<br />
Marti & Kevin Young<br />
Tyson & Tena Faust<br />
Chief David Baker<br />
& Charles Joekel<br />
Tom Koch, Melanie Lawson, John Guess<br />
Kara & Ray Childress,<br />
Stacy & Brian Becker<br />
Alan & Julie Kent, Huey Lewis,<br />
Michelle & Robert Marsh<br />
Budweiser Live Auction Items<br />
Jeremy Leediker & Erica Hunter,<br />
Sue & Lester Smith<br />
Jason Kohll, Marcus Jolibois, Shane Battier,<br />
Tad Brown, Rafael Stone, John Lucas III,<br />
Rockets Power Dancers<br />
6
Marianne & Gil Bruvel Sharon Wilner, Carol Sawyer, Kim Padgett Larry Dierker & Commander Scott Kelly<br />
Mark Wallace<br />
President of Texas Children’s Hospital<br />
Judge Eric Andel,<br />
Phyllis & Graham Painter<br />
Our generous supporters from Borden<br />
Alan & Julie Kent, Wayne Turner,<br />
Robert & Michelle Marsh<br />
Frank & Kimberly DeLape Missa Sutton & Carolyn Faulk Edna Meyer-Nelson<br />
Cathy & Jesse Marion<br />
& Suzanne Klein<br />
Henry & Doe Florsheim Donna & Arnold Gilberg Heather & David Huntington Judy & Larry Dierker,<br />
Laura Ward<br />
Allen & Shirley Becker Donna Briggs & John Speer Susan & Gary Becker,<br />
Marianne & Gil Bruvel<br />
Christie, Penny & Paul B. Loyd, Jr.<br />
Jan Carson, Virginia Reisman,<br />
Maryann Hoffer<br />
7
Jeff & Ericka Bagwell Jeanette & Bob Gonzales Don & Vicki Clark Laura & John Johnson<br />
Don & Maggie Henderson Mike & Janell Rogers Gary & Susan Becker Janice & Tad Brown Jenny & David Moore Nancy & Jack Dinerstein<br />
Robert & Michelle Marsh,<br />
Sam Arlen<br />
Kaylin Harr, Charles Joekel,<br />
Carolyn Faulk<br />
Laura Ward, Gaynell & Clyde<br />
Drexler, Ericka & Jeff Bagwell<br />
Ken & Gwen Joekel<br />
One Enchanted Evening<br />
Thanks to Chairpersons Laura and John Johnson – Silver<br />
Eagle Distributors, L.P. the Spring Soiree generated a net of<br />
$110,000. Guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Vic & Anthony’s<br />
Steakhouse and the presentation of Montecristo Cigars, courtesy of<br />
Howard Covens of Stogies Fine Cigars. A photo-op with an Anheuser-Busch<br />
Clydesdale was a featured delight. The live and silent<br />
auction highlighted priceless sports memorabilia and included an extraordinary<br />
trip to the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis, courtesy of<br />
Budweiser and August Busch IV. Guests included Sue and Lester<br />
Smith, Charles Joekel, Susan and Gary Becker, Janice and<br />
Tad Brown, Paige and Tilman Fertitta, Ericka and Jeff Bagwell,<br />
Gaynell and Clyde Drexler, Marti and Kevin Young, Howard Covens,<br />
Greg Germenis, Penny and Paul B. Loyd, Jr., and Carolyn<br />
Faulk. (Photography by Pete Baatz and Gary Fountain)<br />
Charles Joekel, Pat Tammaro,<br />
Grant Guthrie<br />
Adele Minzer, Melissa & Dr.<br />
Charles Brunicardi, Sherri Zucker<br />
Paul B. & Penny Loyd, Jr.,<br />
Dave Ward<br />
Laura & John Johnson,<br />
Laura Ward<br />
Jan Carson<br />
& Maryann Hoffer<br />
Linda Lorelle<br />
& Lou Gregory<br />
Kathy & Don Kobos John Leake & Judy Nichols Marti & Kevin Young<br />
8
A Star-Studded Affair<br />
Celebrity Dinner<br />
The warm spring air was buzzing with the scent of fame during<br />
the backyard celebrity party at the home of Paige and Tilman<br />
Fertitta last April. With about 100 guests in attendance, it was truly<br />
a night of familiar faces and celebrity appearances.<br />
Mario Andretti, a long-time friend of <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s<br />
<strong>Charity</strong>, made a “pit stop” in <strong>Houston</strong> just for this special evening.<br />
Along with Andretti, celebrity guests at the party included Nolan<br />
Ryan, Doug Drabek, Larry Dierker, Ray Childress, Elvin<br />
Bethea, and Elvin Hayes. The highlight of the evening came when<br />
Tilman presented each of the celebrities with a gift from the charity<br />
and provided personal comments about each of them. Many of the<br />
personalities assured us that they would enjoy joining us for a repeat<br />
performance in <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
The guest list also included Michelle and Robert Marsh,<br />
Julie and Alan Kent, Patsy and Wayne Turner, Jenny and David<br />
Moore, Grant Guthrie, Heather and David Huntington,<br />
Charles Joekel, and Vicki and Don Clark. (Photography by Gary<br />
Fountain)<br />
Larry Dierker, Nolan Ryan, Elvin Bethea, Alan<br />
& Julie Kent, Ray Childress, Mario Andretti,<br />
Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek<br />
Nolan Ryan, Larry Dierker, Elvin Bethea,<br />
Wayne & Patsy Turner, Ray Childress, Mario<br />
Andretti, Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek<br />
Larry Dierker, Nolan Ryan, Elvin Bethea,<br />
Robert & Michelle Marsh, Ray Childress,<br />
Mario Andretti, Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek<br />
Dave Ward, Patty Reed,<br />
Mario Andretti, Laura Ward<br />
Wayne Turner & Elvin Bethea<br />
Heather & David Huntington<br />
Mario Andretti, Julie & Alan Kent<br />
Don & Vicki Clark, Elvin Hayes,<br />
Pat & Elvin Bethea<br />
Laura Ward, Nolan & Ruth Ryan,<br />
Dave Ward, Ilene Allen<br />
Mario Andretti & Tilman Fertitta<br />
9
‘Tis the Season<br />
At a time of year when so many <strong>Houston</strong> familes go without, <strong>Houston</strong><br />
Children’s <strong>Charity</strong> truly made it a season of giving with the Annual Children’s<br />
Christmas Party, Adopt-A-Family program, Toy Distribution and Food Assistance<br />
Program.<br />
With smiles on their faces, over 600 children entered the Imperial<br />
Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency <strong>Houston</strong> on Sunday, December 10th to the<br />
sight of thousands of toys, tables covered with goodies and cheerful red t-shirt<br />
clad volunteers ready for the annual Christmas Party. The children, who came<br />
from 17 <strong>Houston</strong> area organizations and individual<br />
families, enjoyed a pizza/pasta buffet, “make<br />
your own” ice cream sundae bar, visits from Santa<br />
and Mrs. Claus, the James Coney Island Coney<br />
Man, Borden’s Elsie the Cow, Clowns from<br />
Cheerful Clown Alley and Kim See, the Living<br />
Christmas Tree. The day could not have gone<br />
smoothly without the help of the generous donations<br />
from the <strong>Houston</strong> Rockets, Kem Buice<br />
of Borden, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Pepsi,<br />
Warehouse Associates, Kroger and Third Coast<br />
Comedy or without the assistance from the dedicated<br />
volunteers that included party Chairwoman Vicki<br />
Clark, Kathy and Will Bailey, Gary Becker, Don<br />
Clark, David Devaney, Frost Bank A-Team, Patricia<br />
Harrison, the Hyatt Regency <strong>Houston</strong>, Gwen<br />
Joekel, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Dr. Lois Moore, our<br />
friends at Pearland High School, Deborah Schulze<br />
and group, the Westfield High School Baseball Team, Caitlin Young and<br />
Kevin Young.<br />
HCC’s Adopt-a-Family program was a huge success and, thanks to the<br />
generosity of our sponsors, we were able to help 33 <strong>Houston</strong> families with 88<br />
children. Athena was in need of food and furniture when she contacted HCC.<br />
She had two pieces of chicken to split between herself and her three girls, ages<br />
6, 9 and 11. HCC and The Furniture Bank provided beds, couches, a dining<br />
set, lamp and coffee table as well as kitchen supplies and linens. HCC also<br />
Christmas Cheer<br />
provided toys and clothing for the girls, a basket of toiletries for Athena, and<br />
two $100 Wal-Mart cards for food and supplies. Our many sponsors included<br />
A & C Plastics, Inc., Susie Atkins, the Beasley family, Kathy & Mark<br />
Crosby, Frank DiMaria, ExxonMobil, Elizabeth & George Farish, Jr.,<br />
the Gracely family, Industrial TX Corporation, JobIT, Melanie Johnson,<br />
Brian Kingshill, III, Melanie Lawson & John Guess, Sherman L. Lewis,<br />
John V. Lovoi, Christine Muraski, the Nichols family, Saundra & Raymond<br />
Platter, Richland Financial, Melissa & Jamey Rootes, John Gary<br />
Sellers, Jennifer Skrabanak, Hailey & Mark Stevens, David M. Underwood,<br />
Kelly & Zach Wright, Kevin Young, and Sherri Zucker.<br />
The brisk winter air didn’t stop volunteers from “shopping” with<br />
parents and guardians from 149 <strong>Houston</strong><br />
families for toys at HCC’s annual Toy Distribution<br />
on December 19 at Silver Eagle<br />
Distributors, L.P. For several weeks leading<br />
up to the Christmas Season, HCC toy boxes<br />
were filled to the brim by caring employees<br />
and customers alike throughout the city. For<br />
many of our families, the toys they selected<br />
that day would be the only gifts their children<br />
would receive at Christmastime. The efforts<br />
of Gwen Joekel, volunteer and Chairperson for the Toy Distribution,<br />
and additional volunteers Suzanne Anderson, Heidi Birenbaum,<br />
David Devaney of Warehouse Associates, Clara Duran, Carolyn<br />
Faulk, Christie Kroenke, Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P., Leonor<br />
Soto, Al Vallejo and family, and Jodie Zolleman made this day a<br />
special one. Thanks to the donations of time, resources and toys from our<br />
volunteers and the many companies across <strong>Houston</strong> who supported us, 447<br />
children experienced the joy a Christmas present can bring.<br />
With the assistance of John Johnson and Kevin Young, HCC was able<br />
to begin a new Christmas Food Program, providing over 300 families with<br />
$100 Gift Cards to Fiesta, Food Town, Gerlands, Wal-Mart, and Sellers Brothers.<br />
These families were most grateful for the opportunity to provide their<br />
children with a holiday feast. (Photography by Pete Baatz and Leslie Suggs)<br />
First From The Heart<br />
T’was on this tenth December day<br />
In the <strong>Houston</strong> Hyatt Grand<br />
That volunteers did gather round<br />
For Christmas was at hand<br />
Six hundred sixty children plus<br />
Were soon to here arrive<br />
As H.C.C. had once again<br />
Made spirits come alive<br />
The gifts were all unpacked and spread<br />
The trees each table dressed<br />
The apples and the crayons were placed<br />
The pictures all impressed<br />
By ten the Goody Bags were lined<br />
Six hundred in the hall<br />
Sweet fantasy they did contain<br />
With gifts for one and all<br />
The Hyatt staff each table set<br />
Contagious was their smile<br />
For Leo’s place in Bayou town<br />
Does many hearts beguile<br />
From agencies who share their love<br />
To special families<br />
The work is done throughout the year<br />
So this day comes with ease<br />
With Vicki there upon the mic<br />
The party is explained<br />
Each job outlined is critical<br />
So no one is detained<br />
The “Ho, Ho, Hos” do fill the room<br />
With carols in the air<br />
And when the children do arrive<br />
The love is everywhere<br />
Policemen with their energy<br />
Do bring a special peace<br />
And everywhere the red shirts go<br />
They happiness release<br />
For once again at Christmas time<br />
We gather to explain<br />
That charity first from the heart<br />
Does leave a sweet refrain<br />
David L. Devaney<br />
12-10-2006<br />
10
Happy Easter<br />
All the ingredients were there for <strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong> 9th Annual<br />
Easter Party at Northland Christian School last April. Put together a basket full<br />
of sweet goodies, toss in a pinch of beautiful spring weather and add 300 underprivileged<br />
youngsters from nine <strong>Houston</strong> agencies and you had the makings for<br />
an amazing day.<br />
Children, ages 3 to 12 from Nehemiah Center, Urban Outreach Center,<br />
<strong>Houston</strong> PAL, Bonita House, The House of <strong>Charity</strong>, St. Michael’s, Boys & Girls<br />
Harbor, Boys & Girls Country, TX Children’s Hospital, DePelchin Children’s<br />
Center, and Treasure Our Community came together for a rare afternoon of Easter<br />
partying.<br />
Fun events scheduled for the day included a petting zoo, pony rides, face<br />
painting (courtesy of Northland Christian School students) and meeting with the<br />
Easter Bunny. Games, prizes, individual Easter baskets, hot dogs and “fixin’s”<br />
donated by James Coney Island, soft drinks courtesy of Pepsi, bottled water and<br />
apples supplied by Kroger with milk and assorted juices donated by Borden’s<br />
rounded out the afternoon.<br />
The constant support of all the volunteers, the employees at Frost Bank,<br />
Deborah Schulze and group, the students of Northland Christian School,<br />
and Steve Lemm, Facilities Manager and Transportation Coordinator at<br />
NCS, made the festive party a day to remember for the children in attendance.<br />
(Photography by Pete Baatz)<br />
11
<strong>Houston</strong> Children’s <strong>Charity</strong> Board of Directors<br />
Officers<br />
Charles L. Joekel, Chairman of the Board<br />
Edna Meyer-Nelson, President<br />
Gary D. Becker, Immediate Past President<br />
Tilman J. Fertitta, Vice President<br />
Grant W. Guthrie, Vice President/Funding Co-Chair<br />
Robert A. Marsh, Vice President<br />
Donald J. Henderson, Secretary<br />
John B. Johnson, Treasurer<br />
Don K. Clark, Funding Co-Chair<br />
Laura S. Ward, Executive Director<br />
Directors<br />
Gregory L. Brown<br />
Thaddeus B. Brown<br />
O.W. Bussey, Jr.<br />
Carolyn Faulk<br />
Paul B. Loyd, Jr.<br />
Dr. Lois J. Moore<br />
Michael F. Rogers<br />
Kevin J. Young<br />
Advisory Board<br />
J. Downey Bridgwater<br />
Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell<br />
John L. Nau, III<br />
Robert E. Ogle<br />
Dr. David G. Poplack<br />
David H. Ward<br />
<strong>2007</strong> Upcoming Events<br />
Children’s Easter Party<br />
11th Annual Gala<br />
Children’s Christmas Party<br />
Toy Distribution<br />
Adopt-A-Family<br />
Food Assistance Program<br />
We are always in need of caring<br />
volunteers for our Children’s events.<br />
Please contact the HCC Office at<br />
713.524.2878 or email us at<br />
hcc@houstonchildrenscharity.org<br />
with your name, address, phone<br />
number and availability.<br />
We appreciate your support!<br />
For further information, visit our website at<br />
www.houstonchildrenscharity.org
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