Who Are You Calling Tacky?! At Festive Function, YoPros Stuff Backpacks Instead of Stockings

Daniel Ortiz and Michelle Watson
Who Are You Calling Tacky?! At Festive Function, YoPros Stuff Backpacks Instead of Stockings

Jeff Carnrite and Joselyn Tego

NEARLY 2,000 BOOKS were bundled up and distributed to local kiddos, thanks to the young-professional supporters of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.


Forty guests donned their tackiest sweaters to a festive event at the Children’s Museum, where they stuffed backpacks with books, school supplies and sensory toys, all of which were purchased using the funds from the organization’s Storybook Gala. The next day, they distributed the backpacks at San Francisco Nativity Academy of Houston and Small Steps Nurturing Center, where they found dozens of kids eager to continue their learning through reading, writing and critical thinking.

Members of the Foundation’s young professional group are proud to carry out its mission of breaking the intergenerational cycle of low literacy in Houston.

Alexa Bode and Grace Gosnell

Victoria Villarreal and Allie Jarreau

Eleni McGee and Lindsey Hennigan

Stephanie Marcos

Saqqara Campbell and Jennifer Thompson

Cameron Nazminia

Kevin Aguilar, Ashley Monic, Elyssa Buntzell, Cameron Crenwelge, Eleni McGee, and Grace Gosnell

Pre-K student at San Francisco Nativity Academy looking through his new book

San Francisco Nativity Academy students holding up their new books

Students with their new books

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

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People + Places

Lilith's Lullaby cocktail (photo by Angie Cavazos)

TO QUOTE THE wee one in Poltergeist: “They’re baaaaack!” Houston’s beloved gothic and girl-powered pop-up The Cursed Cauldron returns Friday, Oct. 4 to Aero Cocktail Co. in River Oaks. The new Aero Cocktail Co. will host the pop-up Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 4pm-12am, and Sundays 2pm-10pm. To help contribute to the spooky (and fun) vibe, visitors are invited to “don their magical attire;” kohl eyeliner and black nail polish are strongly recommended.

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Food