The “Hope Takes Root” luncheon will honor Enbridge and highlight proven solutions that help more children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.
HOUSTON, Texas – Collaborative for Children will bring together business leaders, educators, and community advocates for its 2026 Building Blocks Luncheon on Thursday, September 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River Oaks Country Club.
This year’s luncheon, “Hope Takes Root,” will focus on what becomes possible when Greater Houston invests in children during the first five years of life. The event will also recognize Enbridge for its commitment to building stronger communities through long-term investment and leadership.
“Hope takes root when children have access to high-quality learning experiences, families have trusted support, and educators have the tools to help every child grow,” said Dr. Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children. “This luncheon is an opportunity for Houston to come together around solutions that are already producing results and to help those solutions reach more children and families.”
The need remains significant. Only half of Greater Houston children begin kindergarten ready to learn, approximately one-third read on grade level by third grade, and only one in four ultimately earns a degree or workforce credential. These outcomes affect more than individual students. They influence the strength of the region’s schools, workforce, and economy.
Through its network of 125 Centers of Excellence, Collaborative for Children works with child care providers, educators, and families to strengthen early learning throughout Greater Houston. Current results show that 89% of participating teachers improve their instructional practices, 97% of children gain key school-readiness skills, and kindergarten-readiness outcomes triple. In addition, 85% of children in the program reach the highest social-emotional benchmarks.
The Building Blocks Luncheon will share the stories behind that progress while outlining Collaborative for Children’s vision for expanding access to high-quality early education across the region.
Guests may purchase individual tickets for $250, making the luncheon accessible to supporters who may not be attending as part of a sponsored table. Tables, select sponsorship opportunities, and individual giving options are also available.
Event Details
What: Collaborative for Children’s 2026 Building Blocks Luncheon
Theme: Hope Takes Root
When: Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: River Oaks Country Club
Honoree: Enbridge
Tickets: Individual tickets are $250
To purchase a ticket, reserve a table, or support the luncheon, visit Collaborative for Children’s Building Blocks Luncheon page.
About Collaborative for Children
Collaborative for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has championed high-quality early childhood education for nearly 40 years. Through innovative programs, educator support, and family resources, Collaborative for Children helps children from birth to 5 develop the skills they need for kindergarten and lifelong success. Collaborative’s mission is to advance educational equity and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
