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

Expect ‘Complete Beauty and Medical Gym Experience’ at Montrose Med Spa

Expect ‘Complete Beauty and Medical Gym Experience’ at Montrose Med Spa

MONTROSE MED SPA is consistently focused on one thing: the patient. The boutique spa is intentionally designed as haven where clients can realize their aesthetic and wellness aspirations in a secure and comforting environment. Business partners Maricela and Ashley pride themselves on their unwavering commitment to the patient and continuous learning ensuring that clients receive the most safe and effective treatments available. Intentional wellness of placing emphasis on inner well-being and self-care is the vision of the spa and they have curated a team of highly trained professionals who share this philosophy. With this vision in mind, Maricela and Ashley have developed a complete beauty and medical gym experience. Services provided include Medical Weight Loss, EMsculpt Neo, EMface, HydraFacial (face & body), Fillers, Neurotoxins, Microneedling, VI Chemical Peels, and IV Therapy. LUXURY BEAUTY & MEDICAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS available. Schedule your complimentary skin analysis consultation and receive $100 off your first treatment. 713.485.5027, 2505 Dunlavy St. Houston, TX 77006 Follow us on Instagram.


Keep Reading Show less
the magazine

A Personal Note from Jeff Gremillion: Changes at ‘Houston CityBook’

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less
theater

Kitchen Confidential! Director Weinbrenner’s Hot and Tasty ‘Seared’ Extended at Alley

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

Keep Reading Show less
Food+Travel