A Celebration of Reading
A Celebration of Reading is our signature fundraiser. The unique program features bestselling authors who share their stories. Proceeds from the event fund literacy programs through the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Mrs. Bush personally created the event to shine the light on the importance of literacy and to celebrate the authors who educate, enrich, inspire, enthrall, entertain, and transform us through their books. The event has become one of Houston’s largest and beloved charity events, raising funds to provide vital literacy programs for children and adults through the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.
2026 Title Sponsor Recognition
We also wish to give special thanks to Phillips 66 for serving as Title Sponsor of A Celebration of Reading for the 11th year in a row. Their incredible commitment has spanned over a decade of difference-making for which we are deeply grateful.
A Celebration of Reading Community Impact
28M+
Dollars Raised Since 2013
16,500+
Attendees Since 2013
28,000+
Households Watched Televised Program in 2025
Watch A Celebration of Reading 2026 broadcast featuring Leon Carroll Jr., Admiral William H. McRaven, Brad Meltzer, and Rob Riggle.
2026 Celebration of Reading Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
ConocoPhillips
Gail & Greg Garland
John P. McGovern Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Enbridge
ExxonMobil
H-E-B
Jakel/Duncan/Frishman/Ulrich & Trevino
Laurie & Mark Lashier
Tenenbaum Jewelers
Silver Sponsors
Comcast - Xfinity
The Consulate General of the State of Qatar
Patricia & Sig Cornelius
Terri & Greg Ebel
HCA Houston Healthcare
The Hobby Center Foundation
Satya & Naveen Pandrangi
Ruth J. Simmons
Stephanie & Frank Tsuru
Bronze Sponsors
American Furniture Warehouse
Daren Austin
Toni Beck & Bill Yardley
Ginger Blanton & Regina Rogers
Chevron Phillips Chemical
Cathy & Joe Cleary
Corient
Deloitte
Julie Dill
Lesha & Tom Elsenbrook
EOG Resources
Ernst & Young
Sidney Faust/Betty & John Hrncir
Cherie & Jim Flores
Freeport LNG
Susan & Earl Hesterberg
Hollis Kazmann & Tom Walters
Amy & Gentry Lee
Light Charitable Trust
Greg & Susan Maxwell
Elizabeth & Drayton McLane
Memorial Hermann
Nancy and Clive Runnells Foundation
John L. Nau, III
Beverly & Jim Postl
Barbie & Steve Prusak
Quanta
Scholastic
Stavis Wealth Transfer Solutions
Strake Foundation
Talos Energy
John Tobola & Dolores Cavatore
Ward & Ames Special Events
Williams
Pearl Sponsors
Whitney & Matt Anderson
Shayna Andrews
Alicia Calhoun
Amy & John Chronis
Ben & Ann Clayton
Rosanette Cullen
Robert Givens, in honor of Grace Givens
Stick Delaup & Maureen Higdon
Terri & John Havens
Deborah Dunkum
Jay & Todd Fairley
Josette M. George
Kathy & Marty Goossen
Anne McClellan
Flo McGee
Christine & Kevin Mitchell
Marsha Montemayor
Alice & Keith Mosing
Peter R. Coneway Family Foundation
Nathalie & Charles Roff
Eric Romero
Susan & Bryan Vincent
Legacy Sponsors
Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation
Boardwalk Pipelines
Brompton Community Housing Development
Martha & Mark Carnes
Gina & Joe Carroll
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Jess & Cary Dunham
The Evans & Portela Family
Julie & Ron Finck
Lily & Charles Foster/Pat & David Jones
Lisa & Ray Garcia
George & Barbara Bush Foundation
Joanie & Don Haley
Houston Methodist
Legacy Community Health
Julie & Keith Little
Mary Lynn Marks
Sally & Charles Neblett
Melissa Patin
Perry Homes Foundation
Mary Ellen & Scott Prochazka
Y. Ping Sun & David Lebron
Vanessa A. Sutherland & Elliot Wolf
Tarantino Properties
TPC Group
University of Houston - ACES Institute
Karla & Greg Vesey
Underwriters
Barbie & Steve Prusak - VIP Author Reception
Terri & Greg Ebel - Rob Riggle
Ruth J. Simmons - Yolanda Adams
Sidney Faust - Admiral William McRaven Books
Maggie & Jason Millis - Leon Carroll, Jr. Books
What people are saying…
“It has been an honor and a privilege to collaborate with the Bush family…to produce A Celebration of Reading in Houston and its first 10 years in Dallas and D.C. We have witnessed firsthand extraordinarily talented authors and entertainers give freely to make the event spectacular, and applaud the unwavering commitment of the Foundation for enforcing Barbara Bush’s mission of literacy for all.”
— Danny Ward & Nancy Ames, Founders - Ward & Ames Special Events
“Phillips 66 has been proud to serve as title sponsor of A Celebration of Reading for the past eight years – a unique, inspiring charity event that highlights the important cause of literacy. We always look forward to the uplifting celebration and its outstanding lineup of bestselling authors.”
— Mark Lashier, President and CEO of Phillips 66
A Celebration of Reading Over the Years
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Power of Literacy Luncheon
The 10th Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon occurred on Friday, October 24, 2025, at The Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston, featuring iconic actor and New York Times bestselling author, Tom Selleck as featured speaker.
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Storybook Gala
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's annual Storybook Gala hosted by the Young Professionals Group, was held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Union Station in Daikin Park. The evening unfolded as an unforgettable experience inspired by the classic romance of Romeo and Juliet.