Power of Literacy Luncheon

The Power of Literacy Luncheon is the Ladies for Literacy Guild’s annual fundraising event dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of literacy. Featuring a keynote speaker in a moderated conversation, the luncheon brings the community together in support of grants that fund impactful literacy programs throughout the Houston area. Proceeds from the Raffle, Silent Auction, and The Giving Tree—the heart of the luncheon—directly benefit childhood literacy initiatives across the community.


2026 Power of Literacy Luncheon Co-Chairs

Jan Rhodes & Sandra Shenkir 

Guild President

Deborah Dunkum

2026 Power of Literacy Luncheon Featured Speaker

Harry Connick, Jr.

Harry Connick, Jr. is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning, Tony-nominated artist whose extraordinary career has spanned music, film, television, Broadway, and philanthropy for more than three decades. A best-selling musician, acclaimed actor, composer, pianist, singer, and legendary live performer, Connick has captivated audiences around the world while remaining deeply rooted in the rich musical traditions of his native New Orleans. Beyond the stage, he is equally admired for his charitable leadership, including his efforts to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina through the creation of Musicians' Village and the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.

On September 29, Harry will release Babe: Elaboratio – A Tribute to My Mother, an intimate new book that serves as the centerpiece of a deeply personal multimedia project honoring his late mother, Anita. After losing her at just 13 years old, Connick carried with him the dream she held for her son—that he would one day become a musician and perform at Carnegie Hall. This past May, on what would have been her 100th birthday, that lifelong dream became reality as Harry made his long-awaited Carnegie Hall debut in a moving tribute to her enduring love and belief in him.

With warmth, wit, exceptional artistry, and heartfelt storytelling, Harry Connick, Jr. continues to inspire audiences by celebrating the enduring power of family, faith, music, and the dreams that shape our lives.

Title Sponsor

Literacy Champion Sponsors

ExxonMobil

Rhonda Graff

Presenting Sponsors

Dagmar Deason, Deborah Dunkum & Dodi Willingham

Sidney Faust

Mary Lynn Marks

Stavis Wealth

Stephanie Tsuru

Premier Sponsors

Lilly Andress & Vicki West

Susan Binney & Ginger Blanton

Cathy Cleary

Sue Conway

Patricia Cornelius

Lesha Elsenbrook

Lisa Jakel & Jenny Joy

Melinda Landsness

Laurie Lashier & Barbie Prusak

Cora Sue Mach

Memorial Hermann

Marsha Montemayor

Jan Rhodes

Benefactor Sponsors

Rita Aron & Ann Tornyos

Burns & McDonnell

CenterPoint Energy

Laurel & Mike D’Antoni

Dennis Dodgen & Sandra Payne

Deborah Dunkum

Peggy Edwards & Candy Knudson

Erin & William Evans

Gail Garland

Mehrnaz Gill & Niloufar Molavi

Patti Gillies & Vona Morefield

Leaders and Readers

Jan Griesenbeck & Mary Sage

John P. McGovern Foundation

Rita Maniha Karbalai

April & Wells McGee

Ladies Who Lunch & Love Harry

Legacy Community Health

Julie Little

Brenda Love

Magic Circle Republican Women's Club

Rebecca Marcucci & Patti Zellers

Melissa Patin

Mary Ellen Prochazka

Gina Saour

Diana Skerl

STREAM Realty/Abby Alford

Cat Tobin

UH ACES Institute

Susan Vincent

Bonnie Winograd

Beth Wolff

Friend Sponsors

Alicia Calhoun & Craig Barrett

Stick Delaup & Kelly Cawthorn

Friends of the Ladies for Literacy Guild

Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman

The Joy of Reading Book Club

Houston Children’s Chorus Sponsor

Deborah Dunkum

Melinda Lamoreaux

Anne McClellan & Diane Englet

Stories

More Stories

Leah Stasney

VIP Sponsors

Martha Adger Madget

Ann & John Bookout

Jane Dipaolo

Tenley Eakin

Julie Finck

Katy Hays

Maureen Higdon

Betty Hrncir

Patti Kroll

Linda McReynolds

Alice Mosing

Jan Roberts

Tharen Simpson

Laurie Vander Ploeg

Cyvia Wolff

Giving Tree Sponsor

KPMG

Phillips 66

Book Underwriter

Haley Garcia & Mike Mahlstedt

Giving Tree Gift

Maggie Austin

Anne McClellan

Mary Sage

Raffle Sponsor

Tenenbaum Jewelers

First Lady’s Champagne Sponsor

Maggie Austin

Patti Kroll

Host Committee Soiree Sponsor

Alice Mosing

Floral Sponsor

H-E-B

VIP Reception Sponsor

Barbie Prusak

Power of Literacy Luncheon Over the Years

  • Storybook Gala

    The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's Young Professionals Group hosted its bi-annual Storybook Gala on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Union Station in Daikin Park. Last year's gala was an unforgettable evening inspired by the classic romance of Romeo and Juliet.

  • A Celebration of Reading

    This year’s A Celebration of Reading celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.