Kid StuffSpring 2007
Dear Friends of Houston Children’s Charity, On this, Houston Children’s Charity’s 10th anniversary, I would personally like to pay a well-deserved tribute to each of you, our supporters and friends, who have made the choice to support us over the last decade. Your continued dedication to Houston Children’s Charity is evidence of your commitment to helping children; the real beneficiaries of your generosity.
Over the last 10 years we have been proud to donate 62 vans and two trucks to Houston agencies, entertain over 3,500 children at our Easter party, host over 6,000 children at our Hyatt Christmas party, and provide for 25,000 children during the Christmas season. Addition-ally, we have assisted numerous individual families who would otherwise have had nowhere to turn.
HCC has helped children recover from and cope with debilitating disease and injury over the past decade by providing life-enhancing support ranging from surger-ies to prostheses and from wheelchairs to specially equipped vans. We have also been proud to assist the many families who have made Houston their home in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Countless children with special needs are left without a source of support or refuge on a daily basis. The abandonment and abuse of these children are not acts of God, they are failures of love. We must dedicate ourselves to providing every child with the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and well educated.
Your contributions, and those of other individuals who believe in our mission, have helped many deserving children reach their full potential. Our programs and services for children have flourished through your combined efforts; our individual contributors, dedicated volunteers, and a concerned corporate community.
As we each invest our resources to help make Houston a more productive and supportive environment in which to live, we are nurturing America’s future, our children. Your continued support of Houston Children’s Charity will substantially increase opportunities for children and our ability to provide for them. “Our Kids are Everybody’s Kids.”
The past decade has been a journey full of service, love, and joy. Your continued support is an indication that you are along for the ride toward a brighter future for Houston’s children, and I thank you.
Warm Regards,
Laura WardExecutive Director
10th Annual Gala
A Look Back At A Decade of Caring
In this issue...
And the award goes to ... pages 2-3
Underwriter Party ... page 4
A Night To Remember ... pages 5-7
One Enchanted Evening ... page 8
A Star-Studded Affair ... page 9
‘Tis The Season ... page 10
Happy Easter ... page 11
pages 5-7 page 10 page 11
Christmas Party Easter Party
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Judy Nichols Pam Wright Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell Laura Ward & Vikki Vines
Marcus Woods Gridiron Heroes Warner Roberts & Joey Boesch Bobbie & John Nau, III
Tena & Tyson Faust Jesse & Cathy Marion, Laura Ward Anna Williams Darla Lexington & John O’Quinn
Gary Becker, Laura & Dave Ward Patricia & Pat Harrison Maggie & Don Henderson, Laura Ward Melanie Lawson & John Guess
Houston Children’s Charity celebrated its 10th anniversary on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Houston. An awards luncheon was held in honor of all those who have made it possible over the last decade for HCC to improve the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind. The reception in the Imperial Ballroom included Mistress of Ceremonies Warner Roberts, a message from keynote speaker Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell and a presen-tation by Mayor Bill White issuing a special proclama-tion, declaring it “Houston Children’s Charity Day.” The afternoon also included a donation of specially modified vans to two “Gridiron Heroes”; young men who have sus-tained life altering spinal cord injuries during the course of playing football. The 10th Anniversary Awards Luncheon was truly a touching event as we celebrated those who have benefited from our assistance and, in particular, those who have made that assistance possible over the last decade. (Photography by Pete Baatz)
And the award goes to...
Charles Joekel, The Honorable Mayor Bill White & Gary Becker
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Special Thanks to Our Volunteers Who Have Supported Houston Children’s Charity Over
the Last Ten Years
Jeff AbtDane Addison
Leann AndersonSuzanne and Jim
AndersonMichael Arnett
Joel AshbyKristie AustinLaura AustinKathy BaileyWill BaileyJared Bane
Melissa BartonStephanie BazilleShirley and Allen
BeckerSusan and Gary Becker
Jill BellKarrie BellardRyan BennettHarsh Bhasin
Malcolm BrownJanice and Kem Buice
Buffalo GlassEmily CanoDaren CantuLuis CarabaliAustin CarnesSarah ChismNeva Clark
Vicki Matthews-ClarkZach Cohen
Megan ConnerJoann and Bill CrassasMadeleine and Mark
CrawfordCaroline Cubberley
David DevaneyPhillip DiamondBrandon DrenonDeborah Duncan
Katherine El GuermaiRob ElliottRyan Ellis
Steven FernandezAllison FlanaganRichard FlowersMichael Foley
Steve FoleyGina Foroi
Frost Bank - The A TeamJudge Annette Galik
Joey Garcia Gregory GilesBob Gonzales
Carolyn GoodwinAshley GreenGerri Greer
Kirksey GreggChristina and Jerry Gronauer
Jackie HaneyJohnni HartmanDeborah Guthrie
Grant GuthrieKelly Guthrie
Patricia and Pat HarrisonJosh HawkinsAlan Hayes
Shelby HodgeLiza Ibarra
Austin JacksonJudy Jackson
Travis JacksonRonnie Jackson
LaChankda JenkinsAshley JeterGwen Joekel
Becky JohnstonKai Spa
Rowan KeeleNatalie Kenreck
Kim Keyes
Matt KrobKristy and Greg Kroencke
Steve LemmDarla Lexington and John
O’QuinnLori Madsen
Cathy and Jesse MarionKathi Marsh
Michelle and Robert Marsh
Roy MarshJeff Matthews
Kay McCallumRobert Medoza
Belinda MendozaKathleen Milazzo
Jennifer MillerChristina MitchellAngela Montalvo
Ryan MorganMadalyn MorseTikisha Mosley
Darryl MurchisonChelsea Muyskens
Bobbie and John Nau, IIIMichelle Neaves
Cheryl NoppeRichard PattonStefanie Plotkin
Nataly PogrebinskyEd Pritchard
Casey ProctorRoger Randall
Vanessa RiascosBrian Rincon
Warner RobertsRay Rogers
Kourtney RoopwahCorey RoweBrooke Roy
Jenna Sabatini
Nick SalinasCarol and Tom Sawyer
Lindsey SerresRose Shelton
Patricia and Larry SinclairSummer Steele
Chuck StephensonTodd SternRyan Still
Jacqueline StonePhilip SwansonNick Tammaro
Janis TerryJessica TerryKate Terry
Ben TheriotJennifer TheriotVivian ThibeauxTabitha Tillman
Mary Ellen TownsendGarret Van Dyke
Desiree VelasquezBecky Vidal
Brandon VillafanoVikki Vines
Brandi and Glenn Wakefield
Carrie WallJ.N. Wall
Taylor WallDave Ward
David WestonMolly WhalbergDelores WhitingAnna WilliamsBrittany Wilson
Elena WittPam Wright
Marti and Kevin Young Sherri Zucker
Excellence in Volunteerism
Janice and Kem BuiceVicki Matthews-ClarkJoann and Bill Crassas
Madeleine and Mark CrawfordDeborah Duncan
Frost Bank - The A TeamGwen JoekelSteve Lemm
Carol and Tom SawyerPatricia and Larry Sinclair
Anna WilliamsPam Wright
Marti Shlenker (posthumously)
Chariots for Children Van Program
1997A Child is Born Family Outreach
(2 Vans)
1998Children’s Assessment Center
Houston PALCasa de Esperanza
1999Zina Garrison’s All Court Tennis
Foundation (2 Vans)Children’s Assessment Center
Odyssey House Texas, Inc.(2 Vans)
HOPE Shelter, Inc.
2000Jaycee’s Children’s Center
Houston PALSt. Joseph’s Inn
Covenant House Texas
2001The Children’s Center, Inc.
Willie C. McDuffie Treatment Center
Families Under Urban and Social Attack
2001 cont.Houston Area Women’s Center
Wesley Community CenterConroe ISD/PALKIPP Academy
La RosaTexas Adaptive Aquatics
Easter Seals
2002Center for Success &
IndependenceThe Seaborne Challenge Corps
S.E.A.R.C.H.Greg and Pola Hampton
Pro-Vision, Inc.The Nehemiah Center
2003Covenant House Texas
Hope Shelter, Inc.Phoenix Outreach Youth Center
Texas Adaptive AquaticsHope for Youth
New Hope Youth CenterRonald McDonald House
Trinity Foster Care Houston
2004Solutions 2 Changing Lives
Refuge Community Development Center
Conroe ISD/PALJaycee’s Children’s Center
2005Anointed Child Care, Inc.
Timothy ProjectTreasure Our Community
City Wide ClubCovenant House TexasBoys & Girls Country
2006The Furniture Bank
Families Under Urban and Social Attack
The Center for Success & IndependenceS.E.A.R.C.H.
Gridiron Heroes (2 Vans: LaJuan Moore &
Zigwon Carter)Pleasant Hill Academy
Casa de EsperanzaPrevent Blindness Texas
The House of Charity
Helping Hands
Phillip Diamond - Owner of Lily and...Darryl Murchison - Owner of Darryl Murchison Designs
Bob Gonzales - President of RAG PrintingEd Pritchard - V.P. Fleet Management,
Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.Richard Flowers - C.O.O., The Events Company
Kirksey Gregg - Director of Special Events, The Events Company
Michael Gilg - V.P. Production/Executive Producer, XL FilmsJoey Boesch - Composer, Pianist and Vocalist Extraordinaire
John O’Rourke - Owner, Charlie O’Rourke’sRon Bailey - Owner/President Data Stream Technologies
Judy Nichols - Judy Nichols and Associates
HCC’s Scholarship Award Recipients
Each Student Received a $12,000 College Scholarship
Desirae Mock - 10th Grade Chloe Lewis - 10th Grade
Sanjuanita Mottu - 11th GradeJaime Alvizar - 11th Grade(as pictured, left to right)
Distinguished Awards
Becker Family Emergency Fund Award - Shirley and Allen BeckerShining Star - Dave Ward - KTRK - TV Channel 13 News Anchor
Golden Gavel - Vikki Vines - Gallery AuctionsMedia Champion - Shelby Hodge - Houston Chronicle
Society ColumnistGuardian Angel - David Devaney
HCC’s New Best Friend - Glenn WakefieldHCC’s Largest Individual Gift - Gerri Greer
Heart Award - Cathy and Jesse MarionLifetime of Giving - Darla Lexington and John O’Quinn
Spirit of Service - Patricia and Pat Harrison Warehouse Associates
Corporate Commitment - Bobbie and John Nau, IIISilver Eagle Distributors, L.P.
Heart of Houston - Warner Roberts
Since its inception, HCC has awarded 62 vans and 2 trucks
at a total cost of $1,763,444.
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On the eve of the largest event in Hous-
ton Children’s Charity’s history, the event un-
derwriters gathered at the home of hosts Penny
and Paul B. Loyd, Jr. for an evening of cock-
tails, hors d’oeuvres and accolades.
Gala Chairpersons, Marilyn and
George DeMontrond III, gladly accepted the
honor of presenting crystal vases to the event
underwriters including Becker Family Foun-
dation, Charles L. Joekel, Edna Meyer-
Nelson, Hyatt Regency Houston, Michelle
and Robert Marsh Family Funding, L.P.,
Pacesetter Personnel, Paige and Tilman J.
Fertitta/Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., Sterling
Bank, The Lester & Sue Smith Foundation
and Williams Bailey LLP.
The DeMontronds also presented awards
to the Benefactors and Sponsors, receiving a
Nambe crystal bowl and a Nambe miniature
bowl set, respectively. The Benefactors includ-
ed Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.,
Budweiser/Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Penny and
Paul B. Loyd, Jr., Dorothy T. Nicholson and
Jeanette and Jim Woods. Sponsors included
Berg and Androphy, DeMontrond Automo-
tive Group, Greater Houston Orthopedic
Specialists/Dr. Henry J. Blum, Dr. Eric F.
Berkman and Dr. Charles Metzger, Hercules
Offshore, Inc., Jenny and David Moore, Ma-
genheim & Associates, Nopal Resources, The
John M. O’Quinn Foundation, The Marion
Foundation, The Tony Gracely Family and
Windsor Village United Methodist Church.
Executive Director Laura Ward recog-
nized the many giving people that help make
the Gala a success each year in addition to giv-
ing a preview of one of the spectacular auction
items for the following evening; a handmade
32-piece chess set created by the visionary art-
ist Gil Bruvel. (Photography by Pete Baatz)
UnderwriterParty
Sandy & Randall Stilley Laura Ward, Gil & Marianne Bruvel
Laura Marchand & Laurette Veres
Robert & Debbie Ogle Marti & Kevin Young Tom Davis, Carol & Dr. Tom Sawyer
Stephen Joest, Tracy Hendrix, Greg Rosenberg, Kaylin Harr
Paul B.Loyd,Jr., Laura Ward, Penny Loyd
Edna Meyer-Nelson, Jackie Brown, Suzanne Klein, Jerome Blockman
George DeMontrond, Dorothy Nicholson, Marilyn DeMontrond
George DeMontrond, Penny & Paul B. Loyd, Jr., Marilyn DeMontrond
Joey & Valerie Boesch
Lou Gregory & Linda Lorelle, Vicki & Don Clark
Michael Gilg, Lester & Sue Smith, Grant Guthrie
4
Celebrating a Decade of Caring, Houston Children’s Charity’s
10th Annual Gala literally rocked with great - you guessed it - rock n’
roll, a sell-out crowd, and the largest fundraising event in the charity’s
history.
More than 600 guests crowded the Hyatt Regency Houston for
the over-the-top gala chaired by Marilyn and George A. DeMontrond,
III and honoring Sue and Lester Smith.
Never one to disappoint, HCC filled the Imperial Ballroom with
ice carvings displaying the char-
ity’s 10th anniversary logo atop
custom designed square remote
controlled light tables changing
colors throughout the evening, a
visual masterpiece of laser lights
and four immense screens on
which to view the events of the
night.
In an exceptional moment of gen-
erosity, a $1,000,000 pledge in honor of
HCC’s Executive Director Laura Ward
was made by the Board of Directors of HCC
to Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center
to establish the Houston Children’s Charity
Emergency Family Fund. But in the spirit of
“breaking news,” Master of Ceremonies Dave Ward also announced to
the wildly applauding crowd, that an anonymous matching gift had been
made in the amount of $1,050,000 putting the charity’s net proceeds at
over $2,150,000. The anonymous grant is to be used exclusively to sup-
port Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center at the direction of Dr. David
Poplack.
HCC Board President Gary Becker introduced TCH President
Mark Wallace and Dr. David Poplack who acknowledged the tremen-
dous giving spirit of the mystery couple who made this gift. Ward said it
best....”we can assume that this couple are simply committed to supporting
the wonderful work of Houston Children’s Charity and Texas Children’s
Hospital - and are willing to do so without any recognition, accolades or
fanfare.”
In true HCC fashion, the live auction
was over the top, netting $400,000 for the
evening. High bidders included Robert
Marsh, Allen Kent and Wayne Turner
who paid $70,000 for a celebrity party at
the home of Paige and Tilman Fertitta
and John Speer who paid $40,000 for
a private tour of Althorp in London, the
home of the late Princess Diana, guided
by The Right Honorable Earl
Spencer. The crowd then boogied
until the wee hours to the hit music
of Huey Lewis and the News.
In the crowd were
Shirley and Allen Becker, Brian
and Stacy Becker, Sharon Bush,
Suzette and Pastor Kirbyjon
Caldwell, Kara and Ray Childress, Judy and Larry Dierker, Eliza-
beth and George Farish, Mary and Tony Gracely, Tissy & Rusty Har-
din, Erica Hunter and Jeremy Leediker, Sunni and Gary Markowitz,
John Speer and Donna Briggs and Sheridan and John Eddie Williams.
(Photography by Pete Baatz and Leslie Suggs)
Gala 1
A Night to Remember
Houston Children’s Charity 10th Annual Gala
5
Maggie & Don Henderson, Elly Berman Tissy & Rusty Hardin Sheridan & John Eddie Williams
Dr. Hank & Jackie Blum Pastor Kirbyjon & Suzette Caldwell Melissa, George & Marilyn DeMontrond
Tom Koch, Melanie Lawson, John Guess Kara & Ray Childress, Stacy & Brian Becker
Alan & Julie Kent, Huey Lewis, Michelle & Robert Marsh
Budweiser Live Auction Items Jeremy Leediker & Erica Hunter, Sue & Lester Smith
Jason Kohll, Marcus Jolibois, Shane Battier, Tad Brown, Rafael Stone, John Lucas III,
Rockets Power Dancers
Gabriella & Daniel Dror Maryann & Jodie HofferTony & Mary Gracely Doug Drabek & Laura Ward
Lester & Sue Smith Chief David Baker & Charles Joekel
Marti & Kevin Young Tyson & Tena Faust
Ken & Gwen Joekel
6 7
Marianne & Gil Bruvel Sharon Wilner, Carol Sawyer, Kim Padgett Larry Dierker & Commander Scott Kelly
Mark WallacePresident of Texas Children’s Hospital
Judge Eric Andel, Phyllis & Graham Painter
Our generous supporters from Borden
Allen & Shirley Becker Donna Briggs & John Speer Susan & Gary Becker, Marianne & Gil Bruvel
Christie, Penny & Paul B. Loyd, Jr. Jan Carson, Virginia Reisman, Maryann Hoffer
Alan & Julie Kent, Wayne Turner, Robert & Michelle Marsh
Edna Meyer-Nelson & Suzanne Klein
Frank & Kimberly DeLape Missa Sutton & Carolyn Faulk Cathy & Jesse Marion
Heather & David HuntingtonHenry & Doe Florsheim Donna & Arnold Gilberg Judy & Larry Dierker, Laura Ward
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Thanks to Chairpersons Laura and John Johnson – Sil-
ver Eagle Distributors, L.P. the Spring Soiree generated a net of
$110,000. Guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Vic & Anthony’s
Steakhouse and the presentation of Montecristo Cigars, courtesy of
Howard Covens of Stogies Fine Cigars. A photo-op with an An-
heuser-Busch Clydesdale was a featured delight. The live and silent
auction highlighted priceless sports memorabilia and included an ex-
traordinary trip to the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis, courtesy of
Budweiser and August Busch IV. Guests included Sue and Les-
ter Smith, Charles Joekel, Susan and Gary Becker, Janice and
Tad Brown, Paige and Tilman Fertitta, Ericka and Jeff Bagwell,
Gaynell and Clyde Drexler, Marti and Kevin Young, Howard Co-
vens, Greg Germenis, Penny and Paul B. Loyd, Jr., and Carolyn
Faulk. (Photography by Pete Baatz and Gary Fountain)
One Enchanted Evening
Jeff & Ericka Bagwell Jeanette & Bob Gonzales Don & Vicki Clark Laura & John Johnson
Robert & Michelle Marsh, Sam Arlen
Kaylin Harr, Charles Joekel, Carolyn Faulk
Laura Ward, Gaynell & Clyde Drexler, Ericka & Jeff Bagwell
Ken & Gwen Joekel
Charles Joekel, Pat Tammaro, Grant Guthrie
Adele Minzer, Melissa & Dr. Charles Brunicardi, Sherri Zucker
Paul B. & Penny Loyd, Jr., Dave Ward
Laura & John Johnson, Laura Ward
Don & Maggie Henderson Mike & Janell Rogers Gary & Susan Becker Janice & Tad Brown Jenny & David Moore Nancy & Jack Dinerstein
Jan Carson & Maryann Hoffer
Linda Lorelle & Lou Gregory
Kathy & Don Kobos John Leake & Judy Nichols Marti & Kevin Young
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A Star-Studded AffairCelebrity Dinner
The warm spring air was buzzing with the scent of fame dur-
ing the backyard celebrity party at the home of Paige and Tilman
Fertitta last April. With about 100 guests in attendance, it was truly
a night of familiar faces and celebrity appearances.
Mario Andretti, a long-time friend of Houston Children’s
Charity, made a “pit stop” in Houston just for this special evening.
Along with Andretti, celebrity guests at the party included No-
lan Ryan, Doug Drabek, Larry Dierker, Ray Childress, Elvin
Bethea, and Elvin Hayes. The highlight of the evening came when
Tilman presented each of the celebrities with a gift from the charity
and provided personal comments about each of them. Many of the
personalities assured us that they would enjoy joining us for a repeat
performance in 2007.
The guest list also included Michelle and Robert Marsh,
Julie and Alan Kent, Patsy and Wayne Turner, Jenny and Da-
vid Moore, Grant Guthrie, Heather and David Huntington,
Charles Joekel, and Vicki and Don Clark. (Photography by Gary
Fountain)
Larry Dierker, Nolan Ryan, Elvin Bethea, Alan & Julie Kent, Ray Childress, Mario Andretti,
Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek
Nolan Ryan, Larry Dierker, Elvin Bethea, Wayne & Patsy Turner, Ray Childress, Mario
Andretti, Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek
Larry Dierker, Nolan Ryan, Elvin Bethea, Robert & Michelle Marsh, Ray Childress,
Mario Andretti, Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek
Dave Ward, Patty Reed, Mario Andretti, Laura Ward
Wayne Turner & Elvin Bethea Heather & David Huntington
Mario Andretti, Julie & Alan Kent Don & Vicki Clark, Elvin Hayes, Pat & Elvin Bethea
Laura Ward, Nolan & Ruth Ryan, Dave Ward, Ilene Allen
Mario Andretti & Tilman Fertitta
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At a time of year when so many Houston familes go without, Houston Children’s Charity truly made it a season of giving with the Annual Children’s Christmas Party, Adopt-A-Family program, Toy Distribution and Food Assis-tance Program. With smiles on their faces, over 600 children entered the Imperial Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Houston on Sunday, December 10th to the sight of thousands of toys, tables covered with goodies and cheerful red t-shirt clad volunteers ready for the annual Christmas Party. The children, who came from 17 Houston area organizations and individ-ual families, enjoyed a pizza/pasta buffet, “make your own” ice cream sundae bar, visits from San-ta and Mrs. Claus, the James Coney Island Co-ney Man, Borden’s Elsie the Cow, Clowns from Cheerful Clown Alley and Kim See, the Living Christmas Tree. The day could not have gone smoothly without the help of the generous do-nations from the Houston Rockets, Kem Buice of Borden, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Pepsi, Warehouse Associates, Kroger and Third Coast Comedy or without the assistance from the dedicat-ed volunteers that included party Chairwoman Vicki Clark, Kathy and Will Bailey, Gary Becker, Don Clark, David Devaney, Frost Bank A-Team, Patri-cia Harrison, the Hyatt Regency Houston, Gwen Joekel, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Dr. Lois Moore, our friends at Pearland High School, Deborah Schulze and group, the Westfield High School Baseball Team, Caitlin Young and Kevin Young. HCC’s Adopt-a-Family program was a huge success and, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we were able to help 33 Houston families with 88 children. Athena was in need of food and furniture when she contacted HCC. She had two pieces of chicken to split between herself and her three girls, ages 6, 9 and 11. HCC and The Furniture Bank provided beds, couches, a dining set, lamp and coffee table as well as kitchen supplies and linens. HCC also
provided toys and clothing for the girls, a basket of toiletries for Athena, and two $100 Wal-Mart cards for food and supplies. Our many sponsors included A & C Plastics, Inc., Susie Atkins, the Beasley family, Kathy & Mark Crosby, Frank DiMaria, ExxonMobil, Elizabeth & George Farish, Jr., the Gracely family, Industrial TX Corporation, JobIT, Melanie Johnson, Brian Kingshill, III, Melanie Lawson & John Guess, Sherman L. Lewis, John V. Lovoi, Christine Muraski, the Nichols family, Saundra & Ray-mond Platter, Richland Financial, Melissa & Jamey Rootes, John Gary
Sellers, Jennifer Skrabanak, Hailey & Mark Stevens, David M. Un-derwood, Kelly & Zach Wright, Kevin Young, and Sherri Zucker. The brisk winter air didn’t stop volunteers from “shopping” with
parents and guardians from 149 Houston families for toys at HCC’s annual Toy Dis-tribution on December 19 at Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. For several weeks leading up to the Christmas Season, HCC toy boxes were filled to the brim by caring employees and customers alike throughout the city. For many of our families, the toys they selected that day would be the only gifts their children would receive at Christmastime. The efforts
of Gwen Joekel, volunteer and Chairperson for the Toy Distribution, and additional volunteers Suzanne Anderson, Heidi Birenbaum, David Devaney of Warehouse Associates, Clara Duran, Carolyn Faulk, Christie Kroenke, Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P., Leonor Soto, Al Vallejo and family, and Jodie Zolleman made this day a
special one. Thanks to the donations of time, resources and toys from our volunteers and the many companies across Houston who supported us, 447 children experienced the joy a Christmas present can bring. With the assistance of John Johnson and Kevin Young, HCC was able to begin a new Christmas Food Program, providing over 300 families with $100 Gift Cards to Fiesta, Food Town, Gerlands, Wal-Mart, and Sellers Broth-ers. These families were most grateful for the opportunity to provide their children with a holiday feast. (Photography by Pete Baatz and Leslie Suggs)
First From The Heart
T’was on this tenth December dayIn the Houston Hyatt Grand
That volunteers did gather roundFor Christmas was at hand
Six hundred sixty children plusWere soon to here arrive
As H.C.C. had once againMade spirits come alive
The gifts were all unpacked and spreadThe trees each table dressed
The apples and the crayons were placedThe pictures all impressed
By ten the Goody Bags were linedSix hundred in the hall
Sweet fantasy they did containWith gifts for one and all
The Hyatt staff each table setContagious was their smile
For Leo’s place in Bayou townDoes many hearts beguile
From agencies who share their loveTo special families
The work is done throughout the yearSo this day comes with ease
With Vicki there upon the micThe party is explained
Each job outlined is criticalSo no one is detained
The “Ho, Ho, Hos” do fill the roomWith carols in the air
And when the children do arriveThe love is everywhere
Policemen with their energyDo bring a special peace
And everywhere the red shirts goThey happiness release
For once again at Christmas timeWe gather to explain
That charity first from the heartDoes leave a sweet refrain
David L. Devaney12-10-2006
‘Tis the Season
Christmas Cheer
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All the ingredients were there for Houston Children’s Charity 9th Annual Easter Party at Northland Christian School last April. Put together a basket full of sweet goodies, toss in a pinch of beautiful spring weather and add 300 under-privileged youngsters from nine Houston agencies and you had the makings for an amazing day. Children, ages 3 to 12 from Nehemiah Center, Urban Outreach Center, Houston PAL, Bonita House, The House of Charity, St. Michael’s, Boys & Girls Harbor, Boys & Girls Country, TX Children’s Hospital, DePelchin Children’s Center, and Treasure Our Community came together for a rare afternoon of Easter partying. Fun events scheduled for the day included a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting (courtesy of Northland Christian School students) and meeting with the Easter Bunny. Games, prizes, individual Easter baskets, hot dogs and “fixin’s” donated by James Coney Island, soft drinks courtesy of Pepsi, bottled water and apples supplied by Kroger with milk and assorted juices donated by Borden’s rounded out the afternoon. The constant support of all the volunteers, the employees at Frost Bank, Deborah Schulze and group, the students of Northland Christian School, and Steve Lemm, Facilities Manager and Transportation Coordinator at NCS, made the festive party a day to remember for the children in attendance. (Photography by Pete Baatz)
Happy Easter
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Houston Children’s Charity Board of Directors
Officers
Charles L. Joekel, Chairman of the Board Edna Meyer-Nelson, President
Gary D. Becker, Immediate Past PresidentTilman J. Fertitta, Vice President
Grant W. Guthrie, Vice President/Funding Co-ChairRobert A. Marsh, Vice PresidentDonald J. Henderson, Secretary
John B. Johnson, TreasurerDon K. Clark, Funding Co-Chair
Laura S. Ward, Executive Director
Directors
Gregory L. BrownThaddeus B. Brown
O.W. Bussey, Jr.Carolyn Faulk
Paul B. Loyd, Jr. Dr. Lois J. Moore Michael F. Rogers
Kevin J. Young
Advisory Board
J. Downey BridgwaterPastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell
John L. Nau, IIIRobert E. Ogle
Dr. David G. PoplackDavid H. Ward
We are always in need of caring volunteers for our Children’s events.
Please contact the HCC Office at 713.524.2878 or email us at
[email protected] with your name, address, phone
number and availability.
We appreciate your support!
For further information, visit our website atwww.houstonchildrenscharity.org
2007 Upcoming Events
Children’s Easter Party
11th Annual Gala
Children’s Christmas Party
Toy Distribution
Adopt-A-Family
Food Assistance Program