parties

Turning the Page: ‘Celebration of Reading’ Raises Nearly $2 Mil at Lavish In-Person Affair

Turning the Page: ‘Celebration of Reading’ Raises Nearly $2 Mil at Lavish In-Person Affair

President George W. Bush (Photo by Dave Rossman)

VACANT FOR FAR too long, the ballroom of The Post Oak Hotel opened its doors to more than 340 guests for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's Celebration of Reading event. An additional 200 supporters tuned in to a live-stream of the evening, which included remarks from author and former president George W. Bush, best-selling romance novelist Elin Hilderbrand, mystery writer Mark Sullivan, and husband-wife duo Peter Baker and Susan B. Glasser — plus a special virtual appearance by Matthew McConaughey, who recently authored the NYT best-seller Greenlights.

Once seated, guests enjoyed a sweet video tribute to the former First Lady Barbara Bush, and were welcomed by emcee Dominique Sachse along with Maria and Neil Bush. Neil welcomed his brother to the stage, joking about who was their mom's favorite son, before President Bush read an excerpt from his new book, Out of Many, One: Portraits of American Immigrants, and discussed immigration reform and DACA with Sachse.

The other authors shared motivations and stories behind their latest releases, including Baker and Glasser's fascinating new biography The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker, III. A live performance by Houston-reared The Voice contestants John Holiday and Desz concluded the afternoon — but not before the crowd could wish Secretary Baker himself a happy 91st birthday!

Earlier in the day, a handful of special guests —Julie Baker Finck and Ron Finck, Betty and John Hrncir and Katherine McGovern, among others — got the chance to chat with the authors and members of the Bush family at a private luncheon, hosted by Terri and John Havens at their home and catered by City Kitchen.

Caroline and Paul Cornett, George and Jennifer Wilson; Photo by Jenny Antill

Dancie Ware, Maria Bush, Julie Baker Finck; Photo by Jenny Antill

Jeff Carnrite and Joselyn Tego; Photo by Hung Truong

John Holiday and Desz; Photo by Dave Rossman

Lisa and Mark Jakel; Photo by Hung Truong

Lisa Foronda Harper and Greg Harper; Photo by Dave Rossman

Matthew McConaughey; Photo by Dave Rossman

Nick Florescu and Dominique Sachse; Photo by Dave Rossman

Pierce Bush, Neil and Maria Bush; Photo by Jenny Antill

President George W. Bush, Maria and Neil Bush; Photo by Dave Rossman

Secretary James A Baker; Photo by Dave Rossman

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Parties
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Symphony Springs to Life with Floral-Fabulous Fete

Jacob Power and Priscilla Dickson

Chairs Brady and Zane Carruth, Brittany and Adam Clark

IT ALREADY FEELS like spring in Houston and the spring social season is here with it! 375 guests donned in white-tie flocked to The Post Oak Hotel for the annual Houston Symphony Ball, one of the city’s most anticipated and A-list galas.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties
food

The Truffle Masters Returns — with a New Competition — Benefitting Southern Smoke

THE TRUFFLE MASTERS is returning for its 11th year on March 3rd. Now a Houston tradition of sorts, the competition sees top chefs creating a dish using black truffles all benefitting Southern Smoke.

Keep Reading Show less