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. 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.

Purchase Luncheon Sponsorship

Harry Connick, Jr.

Title Sponsor

  • ExxonMobil

    Sidney Faust & Betty Hrncir

  • Lilly Andress, Ann Bookout, Mary Lynn Marks, Vicki West

    Deborah Dunkum

    Lesha Elsenbrook & Denise Monteleone

    Tena Faust & Courtney Hopson

    Rhonda Graff

    Stephanie Tsuru

  • Susan Baker

    Cathy Cleary

    Sue Conway

    Corient

    Patricia Cornelius

    Stick Delaup & Maureen Higdon

    Bill & Suzi Doré

    Alice Harcrow & Robin Klaes

    Lisa Jakel & Jenny Joy

    Laurie Lashier

    Lit Ladies

    Tama Lundquist & Alice Mosing

    Cora Sue Mach

    Susan Sarofim

    Stavis Wealth Transfer Solutions

  • Burguieres Family Foundation

    Burns & McDonnell

    Minnie & Ed Cappel

    Comcast

    Laurel & Mike D'Antoni

    Dagmar Deason

    Kim Dillard, Cathy Green, Melissa Patin

    Dennis Dodgen & Sandra Payne

    Friends Who Read Table 1

    Friends Who Read Table 2

    Diane Gendel, Mehrnaz Gill, Niloufar Molavi

    Gail Garland

    Patti Gillies & Vona Morefield

    Kathy Goossen & Connie Wallace

    Jan Griesenbeck, Jan Rhodes, Mary Sage

    Becky Grogan

    HCA Houston Healthcare West

    Angela Hernandez & Susana Rosas

    John P. McGovern Foundation

    Legacy Community Health

    Literacy Ladies

    Brenda Love

    April & Wells McGee

    Memorial Hermann

    Gina & Carolyn Saour

    Danette Mozisek

    Pearl Friends

    Ruth J. Simmons

    Diana Skerl

    Dana Strake/Strake Foundation

    Tornyos Table

    University of Houston - ACES Institute

    Susan Vincent

    Bonnie Winograd

  • Barbara Bush Literacy Lovers

    Michelle Buchanan

    Rebecca & Brian Duncan

    Peggy Edwards & Candy Knudson

    Rita Karbalai

    Literacy Ladies Love Books

    Melinda Landsness

    Raquel Lewis, Jerre Williams & Friends

    Rebecca Marcucci

    Mary Ellen Prochazka

    Sagora Senior Living

    University of Houston - ACES Institute

  • Martha Adger Madget

    Margaret Alkek Williams

    Nancy Ames

    Cheryl Byington

    Amy Chronis

    Tammy Genovese Davis

    Diane Englet

    Julie Finck

    Jacqueline Hamilton Taylor

    Harris County Public Library Foundation

    Leslie Hix

    Leisa Holland-Nelson

    Patti Kroll

    Julie Little

    Mary Hale Lovett McLean

    Anne McClellan

    Marsha Montemayor

    Tenley E. Raj

    Regina Rogers

    Tharen Simpson

    Rhonda Smith

    Andrea Suarez

  • KPMG

    Phillips 66

    Michael Simon Family & Friends

  • Maggie Austin, Anne McClellan, Mary Sage

  • Tenenbaum Jewelers

  • H-E-B

  • Patti Kroll

  • Jamie Barrere & Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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.

    Learn More

  • 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.

    Learn More