October 17, 2020 7:00 - 8:00 pm KPRC Channel 2

BENEFITING a legacy of a love for literacy The American Dream is “about equal opportunity for everyone who works hard. If we don’t give everyone the ability to simply read and write, then we aren’t giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. ~First Lady Barbara” Dear Friends,

Please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your continued generosity and loyal support of the Literacy Foundation through A Celebration of Reading. While we are saddened that the Coronavirus pandemic prevents us from gathering in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts for our special event, we are pleased that the program has transformed into a commercial-free, televised event. Mom would certainly be delighted that more people will be able to enjoy the program and overwhelmed by your gratitude in helping to make it possible.

We, once again, have a fabulous line-up of national and international bestselling authors and award-winning entertainers. In addition, you’ll hear more about the pressing priorities and the incredible work being championed by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. We hope that you will be proud of what is being accomplished through your investment and engagement in our efforts.

While we are making a difference, we can and must do more. As educators and families grapple with the complexities caused by the pandemic and seek to find ways which address both the safety and health of staff and students, as well as the individualized socio-emotional and academic needs of children, the enormity of the situation at hand and its potential consequences on children, families and our community simply cannot be underscored. Dire short- and long-term consequences of widening the racial and socio-economic achievement gaps and jeopardizing the vitality of our society, socially and economy, are inevitable if we do not create a sense of urgency and take action.

Our efforts, and those of our countless nonprofit and corporate partners and the army of volunteers assembled through our Ladies for Literacy Guild and Young Professionals Group are vitally important now, more than ever before.

Thank you for helping us on our quest to make Houston a city filled with readers and the first city to break the intergenerational cycle of low literacy.

With deepest regards and gratitude,

Maria & Neil Bush Co-Founders and Co-Chairs, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

4 Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for joining us this evening to celebrate the transformative power of literacy and the legacy of my incredible mother, Barbara Bush.

Of the countless causes that Mom could have championed as first lady, she chose literacy because she believed that it was the key to a brighter future for our entire nation. She knew that literacy is about much more than deciphering words on a page. It’s about ending cycles of poverty that are passed from generation to generation. It’s about empowering families and communities to reach their fullest potential. It’s about giving every American the ability to navigate the world and its opportunities with dignity.

Now, it’s our turn to carry on the work that she began. Our quality of life depends on our ability to read, write, and comprehend. Yet, low literacy prevents 36 million Americans—roughly 20% of adults—from fully engaging in our society as parents, workers, and citizens. It lies at the core of the multigenerational cycles of poverty, poor health, and low educational attainment that impact our families, communities, and our nation as a whole.

This is an enormous challenge. But, like Mom, I believe it’s one that we can and must solve together. Your commitment to improving the lives of your neighbors here in Houston is such an encouragement to our team at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. We are so grateful to have you as our partners as we continue to advance Mom’s mission at the national level.

With your ongoing support—together—we are transforming lives through literacy and making an impact that will last for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Doro Bush Koch Honorary Chair, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

5 Chairs Maria and Neil Bush

Co-Chairs Shahla and Hushang Ansary Susan and Jim Baker Ginger Blanton Lynn and Peter Coneway Gail and Greg Garland Iris and Bill Griffiths Betty and John Hrncir Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Janice McNair Sue Smith Annette and George Strake

6 Committee Members Kelli and Eddy Blanton Amy and Gentry Lee Leslie and Jack Blanton Carolyn and David Light Susan Bruch Soraya and Scott McClelland Deborah and Gardner Cannon Amy and Kyle McCully Martha and Mark Carnes Kathrine McGovern Charlene Carroll Linda and Jim McIngvale Wendy and Bill Chiles Ann and Rob McKee Cathy and Joe Cleary Hannah and Cal McNair Lisa and Mark Coffin Melanie and Mace Meeks Molly and Jim Crownover Karen and Scott Miracle Rose Cullen Alice and Keith Mosing Jill and Brad Deutser John Nau Brenda Duncan Sally and Charles Neblett Cary Dunham Roxann and Tim Neumann Terri and Greg Ebel Mariloli and Marvin Odum Patricia and Lon Edwards Kay Onstead Sidney and Don Faust Faith and Blair Parker Ellen and Tommy Ford Louise and Bob Parsley Lily and Charles Foster Susie Peake Lisa and Ray Garcia Stephanie and Scott Pierce Grace and Robert Givens Gloria Portela and Richard Evans Rhonda and Michael Graff Mary Ellen and Scott Prochazka Joanie and Don Haley Nathalie and Charles Roff Gina and Brian Hanson Deborah and Monte Stavis Terri and John Havens Anne Taylor and Edward Harris Lisa and Mark Jakel Ty and Lee Tillman Mary and Dennis Johnston Stephanie and Frank Tsuru Pat and David Jones Phoebe and Bobby Tudor Carolyn Keating Dick Wainerdi Terri Lacy and Jim Baird Andrea and Bill White Lisa and Ryan Lance Constance White

7 Program welcoming remarks President George W. and First Lady Neil and Maria Bush Dominique Sachse

featured authors Jean Becker H.W. Brands, Ph.D. John Grisham Kevin Kwan Kathy Reichs, Ph.D.

entertainment Lee Greenwood Mary Griffin Houston Children's Chorus Preacher Lawson Southern University Choir

Special closing remarks Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

8 Dominique Sachse is an Emmy-winning news anchor for KPRC 2 News. She anchors KPRC 2 News' 6 and 10 p.m. weekday newscasts and works on special reports throughout the year. Dominique has been with KPRC 2 News since 1994. Some career highlights include covering President George Bush's inaugu- ration in January 2001 and Pope John Paul II's visit to Mexico City canonizing Juan Diego in 2002. Another one of Dominique's greatest joys in her job is working with local students, helping them plan their careers and future.

George W. Bush served as the forty-third President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. President Bush is the author of three #1 New York Times bestsellers: , his presidential memoir; 41, a biography of his father, President George H. W. Bush; and , a collection of oil paintings and stories honoring the sacrifice of America’s military veterans.

Laura Bush served as First Lady of the United States and is a former teacher and librarian who continues to champion America’s public libraries through her namesake foundation. Mrs. Bush is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Spoken from the Heart, a personal memoir, as well as two children’s books she co-authored with daughter .

9 Neil and Maria Bush established the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation in 2013 to carry forth Barbara Bush’s literacy legacy. They currently serve as co-chairs on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and chair the annual A Celebration of Reading event. Neil also serves as chairman of , an international nonprofit formed by President George H.W. Bush.

Sylvester Turner is Houston’s sixty-second Mayor. Before serving as Houston’s mayor, he served for 27 years as the Representative for Texas House District 139. As a life-long resident of Houston, Mayor Turner is passionate about his city and is a visionary leader and supporter of education and literacy.

10 Jean Becker is the ghost author of Pearls of Wisdom, about First Lady Barbara Bush. Full of Barbara Bush’s trademark wit and thoughtfulness, Pearls of Wisdom is a poignant reflection on life, love, family, and the world by one of America’s most iconic and beloved public figures. Jean’s literacy works include support of Barbara Bush, A Memoir and the follow-up book, Reflections. Jean served as chief of staff for President George H.W. Bush for more than 35 years and deputy press secretary to First Lady Barbara Bush from 1989 to 1992. Before joining the Bush White House staff in 1989, Ms. Becker was a newspaper reporter for 10 years, including a four-year stint at USA TODAY where her duties included covering the 1988 presidential election and a Page One editor.

H.W. Brands, Ph.D. is an American historian who holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at University of Texas at Austin. He has authored more than 30 books on U. S. history, several of which have been named New York Times bestsellers. He has twice been selected as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his books,The First American and Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. His latest book, The Zealot and the Emancipator, tells the epic struggle over slavery as embodied by John Brown and Abraham Lincoln, two men with radically different views on how moral people must act when their democracy countenances evil. 11 John Grisham #1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham’s has published more than 40 books since the release of his first legal thriller,A Time to Kill, published in 1988. His second book, The Firm, became the bestselling novel of 1991, spending 47 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. Since then, Grisham has written one book a year and all of them have become international bestsellers. There are currently over 300 million John Grisham books in print worldwide translated into 40 languages. Nine of his novels have been turned into films, as was an original screenplay, The Gingerbread Man. He published two novels this spring, and his latest book, A Time for Mercy, will be released October 13. When not writing, Grisham devotes his time to charitable causes.

Kevin Kwan is the author of Crazy Rich Asians, the international bestselling novel that has been translated into more than 30 languages. Its sequel, China Rich Girlfriend, was released in 2015, and Rich People Problems, the final book in the trilogy, followed in 2017. For several weeks in 2018, the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy commanded the top three positions of the New York Times bestseller list—an almost unprecedented single-author trifecta—and the film adaptation ofCrazy Rich Asians became Hollywood's highest grossing romantic comedy in over a decade. In 2018, Kevin was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. His latest book,Sex and Vanity, was released in June 2020. 12 Kathy Reichs, Ph.D. is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and one of only 100 forensic anthropologists ever certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology. From teaching FBI agents how to detect and recover human remains, to separating and identifying commingled body parts in her Montreal lab, as a forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs has brought her own dramatic work experience to her mesmerizing forensic thrillers. She has authored more than 25 books, including her New York Times bestselling Bones series. Her most recent book, A Conspiracy of Bones, features main character Temperance Brennan and was released earlier this year. Dr. Reichs was also a producer of the hit Fox TV series, Bones, which is based on her work and her novels.

13 Entertainment

Lee Greenwood is a country music artist. He has released more than 20 major-label albums and has charted more than 35 singles on the Billboard country music chart, including seven #1 songs. Greenwood has won numerous industry awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, as well as a Grammy. He is known for his patriotic signature song God Bless the U.S.A., originally released in 1984. In 2012 he authored a children’s book of the same title, which ranked #1 on many notable best seller lists. Greenwood started playing the piano when he was seven and the saxophone at 12.

14 Mary griffin is an accomplished singer songwriter across five distinct genres: R&B/Soul, gospel, disco, jazz, and pop/techno/dance. With a powerfully unique voice and a definitive sound, she consistently delivers soul-stirring performances that captivate audiences around the world. Griffin has received Grammy nominations and sold multiple platinum records, including her first Gospel album titled For Such A Time as This. Griffin started singing before grade school with her three sisters and father, who was a traveling Preacher, in central Louisiana.

Preacher lawson is a stand-up comedian, actor and singer. Lawson was a finalist on the 12th season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and was featured on BET’s Preacher Lawson: Get to Know Me in 2019. This fall, he will be staring in Connecting, a new comedy on NBC about life, love and lockdown. Lawson won the 2015 Funniest Comedian in Florida and the 2016 Seattle International Comedy Competition. He started writing jokes when he was only 16.

15 Houston Children's Chorus is under the direction of Steve Roddy, the Houston Children’s Chorus involves more than 150 children in grades 2 through 8 by annual audition. Over its more than 30-year history, The Chorus has performed in more than a dozen countries around the world, in addition to multiple states in America. The Chorus has performed for the President of the United States more than 28 times and frequently performs with the Houston Symphony.

Texas southern university choir is under the direction of Dr. Kiana Williams. As Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Choirs, she conducts the TSU University Choir as well as the TSU Concert Chorale, in addition to teaching lecture courses and Applied Voice. Prior to TSU, Dr. Williams served as Director of Fine Arts at the historic Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.

16 Special Appearances

T.D. Jakes is a bishop, author, filmmaker and television host. He offers a collection of more than a dozen award- winning and New York Times bestselling books, including Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive and his latest book When Women Pray. He is the founder of The Potter’s House, a non- denominational, multicultural church and global humanitarian organization in Dallas, Texas.

Jeff Kinney is the author of the wildly popular and instant bestselling children’s book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The series of 15 books has remained on the New York Times bestseller lists since the publication of the first book, for more than 500 weeks total and more than 350 on the series list. The books are currently available in 76 editions in 64 languages.

Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Inner Circle, The Escape Artist, and ten other bestselling thrillers. In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for non-fiction advice, children’s books and comic books.

James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author and a dedicated philanthropist. He has created many enduring fictional characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett, Maximum Ride, Middle School, and I Funny.

17 Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Classic Sponsors

ConocoPhillips Gail & Greg Garland Kathrine McGovern/McGovern Foundation

18 Benefactor Sponsors Consulate General of the State of Qatar Enbridge Energy Marathon Oil Corporation Janice S. McNair Susan & Fayez Sarofim Shell Sue Smith/Limor & Stuart Smith

Underwriter Sponsors

Teresa & Greg Ebel

Farish Fund

H-E-B

Light Charitable Trust

Elizabeth & Drayton McLane, Jr.

Stavis & Cohen Financial

Stephanie & Frank Tsuru

19 Sponsors Air Liquide Hunton Andrews Kurth/Terri Lacy & Jim Baird/Ellen & Cabot Oil & Gas Tom Ford

Charlene Carroll ION Geophysical CenterPoint Energy Lisa & Mark Jakel/ Scott Cheniere Energy, Inc. Ulrich & Ernest Trevino

Chevron Phillips Chemical Memorial Hermann

Cathy & Joe Cleary Reliant

Comcast Rob & Ann McKee Family Foundation Patricia & Sig Cornelius Scholastic Education EOG Resources Scurlock Foundation EY Strake Foundation Sidney & Don Faust Texas Children’s Hospital Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo The Carnrite Group

Patron Couples American Pacific Int’l Rosanette S. Cullen Betty & John Hrncir Capital Inc. Laurel & Mike D’Antoni Marek Family Nancy Ames & Danny Ward Patricia & Lon Edwards Mike & Carolyn Mann Shayna Andrews Lisa & Ray Garcia Alice & Keith Mosing Martha & Mark Carnes Terri & John Havens Nathalie & Charles Roff CITGO Petroleum, Inc. Shelly & Brian Hendry Regina Rogers

20 Friends Albert and Ethel Herztein Kroger Charitable Foundation Laurie & Mark Lashier Kristi & Ben Armenta MD Anderson Cancer Center AT&T Marsha Montemayor Greg Bean & Alexis Trevelise Sally & Charles Neblett Minnie & Ed Cappel Gloria Portela & Dick Evans Deloitte Beverly & Jim Postl Julie Dill RGP Linda & Archie Dunham Diane Schumacher Peggy & Gary Edwards/Candy & Seyfarth Tom Knudson/Meg & Steve Rice Babs & Ed Smith Jay & Todd Fairley The University of Texas MD Greater Houston Community Anderson Cancer Center Foundation Union Pacific Railroad HCA Houston Healthcare West University of Houston Houston Methodist College of Education Leann & Doug Hubert Westwood Wealth Management

Thank you to our donors who committed after our print deadline.

21 At the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, we are changing lives and our community through the power of literacy by mobilizing volunteers, cultivating partnerships with districts, nonprofits, universities, and corporations and investing in innovative and evidence-based literacy programs and services. Our key imperatives to advance our mission and realize our vision are fourfold: (1) empowering parents to be their child’s first and most important teachers; (2) equipping children with books in their homes; (3) building a vast network of trained reading mentors; and (4) providing striving early readers with high-quality summer programs to mitigate summer learning loss. A few of our key initiatives are as follows: Connect4Literacy.org: A “go-to” portal for you to sign up to serve as a volunteer in support of the Foundation and dozens of other literacy-focused organizations. Ladies for Literacy Guild: A dynamic group of women who mobilize resources, partner with schools and nonprofits, and volunteer in support of childhood literacy. Young Professionals Group: An auxiliary group of saavy millennials who volunteer in partner schools and support book access and summer reading programs for kids. My Home Library: A program that empowers disadvantaged children to become strong readers through the self-selection and ownership of books. Curiosity Cruisers: A growing fleet of mobile libraries commissioned by our Ladies for Literacy Guild to provide children in low-income neighborhoods access to books, as well as hands-on STEM and reading programs. Read Houston Read: A one-on-one, volunteer-based reading intervention program in HISD for first- and second-graders delivered in-person and virtually. Reading Round Up: A classroom-level read aloud program in HISD and Spring Branch elementary schools delivered in-person or virtually. Read & Rise: A series of workshops for parents which provides them with hands-on activities and resources to build their child’s early literacy skills at home. George & Barbara Places: Areas in public libraries across Harris County where parents and children under the age of five have access to vibrant learning spaces and specific resources to foster early literacy skills. #WeRead and #WeRead Español: A program through which educators and families have access to more than 150 engaging videos of their favorite books being read aloud. We invite you to read our strategic plan, called Imagine If, and our 2019 Performance Report to learn of our progress and how we are investing your generous contributions in the futures of underserved children and families and the vitality of our city. Visit www.BushHoustonLiteracy.org to learn more, get involved and find other ways to give in support of the literacy cause.

22 Literacy is the key...

Former first lady Barbara Bush chose literacy as her life’s work based on a simple, but powerful belief:

“If more people could read, write, and comprehend, we would be that much closer to solving so many of the problems plaguing our society.”

She knew that literacy is the key to a life of equity, opportunity, and prosperity for all Americans. Since she established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989, research has proven her right, linking literacy to some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Over the past 31 years, we have provided support for family literacy programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, changing the lives of countless parents and children.

Today, we remain committed to Barbara Bush’s vision, working toward an America in which all adults have the opportunity to read, write, and comprehend in order to navigate the world with dignity.

To learn more about the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, please visit us online at BarbaraBush.org.

Washington, DC

23 LIVES. ING OV PR IM Y. G R E N E

G N I

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At Phillips 66, supporting our people, our environment and our communities guides everything we do. That's why we're proud to support A Celebration of Reading 2020.

@Phillips66Co

20-0025_008 © 2020 Phillips 66 Company. All rights reserved.

24 Proudly Supports A Celebration of Reading! www.quanex.com

Focused on the Future.

ConocoPhillips proudly supports the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation for its efforts to inspire youth to realize their full potential through the power of literacy.

© ConocoPhillips Company. 2020. All rights reserved.

25 We are deeply grateful to President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush and Mayor Sylvester Turner for offering welcoming and inspirational remarks. Our appreciation is extended to the following authors for giving freely of their time and talent to participate in our event, and for enriching our lives through their books. Jean Becker T.D. Jakes Brad Meltzer H.W. Brands, Ph.D. Jeff Kinney James Patterson John Grisham Kevin Kwan Kathy Reichs, Ph.D A special thank you to the entire KPRC Channel 2 team, especially Jerry Martin, Dominique Sachse, Kris Gutierrez, Keith Garvin, Frank Billingsley, Christine Nöel and Dawn Campbell, for masterfully producing our featured author interviews and broadcasting A Celebration of Reading for all to enjoy.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the team at Ward & Ames Special Events and Video Production, especially Danny Ward and Nancy Ames, for their expertise and partnership in transforming our traditionally in-theater event into a fabulous, televised production.

We wish to express our gratitude to the following individuals and companies for providing save the dates special support to make this year’s event extraordinary for our donors and viewers. Linda Buchman/Spring Branch ISD My Corporate Expressions Power of Literacy Luncheon Dancie Ware Public Relations Trish Morille/Ladies for Literacy Guild The Events Company Penguin Random House Thursday, October 21, 2021 Craig Giummarra Preacher Lawson Entertainment The Post Oak Hotel Hachette Book Group Rees Media Hosted by the Ladies for Literacy Guild Harris County Public Library River Oaks Bookstore John & Terri Havens Marc Perlman Houston Children’s Chorus John Robinson/HAUL Story Book Gala Houston Public Library Stephen Roddy ICM Partners Speedy Printing Featuring Drywater Band InfoVine Stavis & Cohen Financial Friday, November 12, 2021 Lisa & Mark Jakel Simon & Schuster Richard Kaufman Fayez & Susan Sarofim Hotel ZaZa Museum District Dr. Grenita Lathan/Houston ISD Terroir Group, LLC Hosted by the Young Professionals Group Lee Greenwood Entertainment Texas Southern University Choir Love Advertising Victoria Villarreal/Young Professionals Group Alicia Lewis/Blackshear Elementary School Ernest Walker/Walker Entertainment Group Mary Griffin West University Branch Library Dr. Anne McClellan/University of Houston Dr. Kiana Williams 26 We are deeply grateful to President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush and Mayor Sylvester Turner for offering welcoming and inspirational remarks. Our appreciation is extended to the following authors for giving freely of their time and talent to participate in our event, and for enriching our lives through their books. text to give Brad Meltzer James Patterson Support our literacy programs and services by Kathy Reichs, Ph.D texting "HTXREADS" to 41444 or donate online at BushHoustonLiteracy.org/donate

save the dates Power of Literacy Luncheon Thursday, October 21, 2021 The Post Oak Hotel Hosted by the Ladies for Literacy Guild

Story Book Gala Featuring Drywater Band Friday, November 12, 2021 Hotel ZaZa Museum District Hosted by the Young Professionals Group

346-212-2310 | BushHoustonLiteracy.org Follow us on Social Media: @BushHoustonLit “If you help a person to read, then their opportunities in life will be endless. ~First Lady Barbara” Bush