A celebration for individuals and organizations committed to serving Houston’s children
Celebrating 25 years of service to improve the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children, Houston Children’s Charity will host its 25th Anniversary Luncheon presented by BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Post Oak Hotel to honor outstanding individuals and organizations who have contributed to creating a world where every child has their own bed, clothing, school supplies, transportation, health services, and joyful holidays.
For a quarter of a century, with the support and assistance from volunteers, donors and corporate sponsors, Houston Children’s Charity has made a critical impact on over 3.5 million children across Houston while providing support to more than 300 agencies and 14 unique direct programs all while leaving no legitimate request for assistance unanswered.
Since its inception, Houston Children’s Charity has distributed 254 vans to families of disabled children, helped 40,000 school-aged students walk into school prepared for the new school year with much-needed school supplies, and provided 25,000 children with a better night’s sleep by distributing mattresses, box springs, bed frames, sheets, and pillows. More than 30,000 children have been provided with gently used clothing, shoes and accessories at no cost.
Houston Children’s Charity distributes 80,000 toys to 20,000 children through the Adopt-A-Family program and a Toy Distribution. Each year, $100,000 is awarded to the families at Texas Children’s Hospital to help pay for lodging, mortgage, car payments, meals, parking, and clothes.
Houston Children’s Charity CEO and President Laura Ward will recognize the following award recipients for enhancing the quality of life one child at a time.
Guardian Angels– Jana & Richard Fant/The Fant Foundation
The Fants serve as Board Members and give their time, talent, and treasure towards the organization’s mission and programs, including sponsoring more than 40 vans for the Chariots for Children program.
Foundation Friends– The Guill Family/Guill Family Foundation
Since 2016, the Guill Family and its Foundation have supported the work and programs of Houston Children’s Charity, notably theChariots for Children program.
Lifetime of Giving– Susan & Fayez Sarofim
The Sarofim’s generosity knows no bounds and has made an indelible mark for philanthropy in Houston through their support of many non-profits and the children that Houston Children’s Charity serves.
Heart of Houston– Hallie Vanderhider
Vanderhider serves on non-profit and corporate boards and has won honors and the respect of her community for her undying commitment to improving Houston.
Spirit of Service– Youval Meicler/Texas Mattress Makers
Meicler is a dedicated partner to Houston Children’s Charity as his Texas Mattress Makers provides twin mattress sets at a significantly reduced cost to Houston Children’s Charity as well as supporting the Chariots for Children program.
Corporate Commitment – Maria Moncada Alaoui/BMW of West Houston &Tommy Kuranoff/Momentum BMW Southwest
For 13 years, BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest have supported Houston Children’s Charity as Title Sponsors of the organization’s Annual Gala as well as supporting the children through gifts of Chariots for Children, sponsorship of theYoung Houstonians for Houston Children’s Charity events, A Better Night’s Sleep, and the 25th Anniversary Luncheon.
Helping Hands – Rod Ryan/The Rod Ryan Show/94.5 The Buzz
Since 2010, Ryan, his show’s production team, and his home station have led the Back2School program engaging millions of listeners and corporate sponsors to ensure school children are prepared for the new school year.
Children’s Impact– Tony Buzbee
As a successful attorney and entrepreneur, Buzbee supports the community where he has found success and accolades including his generous support for the Gala and sponsoring 15 Chariots for Children vans.
Media Champion – Dave Strickland/KPRC Channel 2
As News Director for KPRC Channel 2, Strickland has always been supportive of Houston Children’s Charity’s efforts while bringing positive news of the organization’s work to the greater Houston community.
Houston Children’s Charity also named Carol Sawyer with the organization’s top honor with the “Making A Difference Award” for her dedication and commitment as a volunteer for 25 years to the children of Houston who have been otherwise left behind. Maricella Reed, Kim Finnigan, Rosemary Lozano, Allen Hord, Stevie Merrill, and Chris Merrill will be recognized for their excellence in volunteerism and Houston Children’s Charity will also spotlight its “Chariots Heroes.”
For more information about the 25th Anniversary Luncheon, please visit www.houstonchildrenscharity.org.