On Friday, November 10th, more than 300 guests attended the 8th Annual Storybook Gala. Hosted by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Young Professionals Group, the Storybook Gala was held at Union Station at Minute Maid Park and chaired by Grace and Tom Gosnell, Courtney and Zac Harmon, and Victoria Villarreal.          

Inspired by this year’s theme “Around the World with Madeline,” Art Attack and A Pretty Party transformed the event space into a few of the places beloved character Madeline traveled in the dozen cherished children’s books, including a Paris, France and Texas. A scaled-down Alamo replica emboldened with “Madeline in Texas,” a pair of 5-foot-tall custom cowboy boots and a 14-foot-tall Eiffel Tower whisked partygoers to the storybook world upon arrival. Live Madeline characters, including a cowboy and cowgirl, Madeline, and a nun from J&D Entertainment brought the ambiance full circle for guests.

Partygoers enjoyed un magnifique soirée complete with specialty drinks and food stations, a live and silent auction, a raffle sponsored by Tenenbaum Jewelers, and entertainment by Houston-based Drywater Band.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ was honored with the Childhood Literacy Impact Award. HLSR Chairman Pat Mann Phillips and CEO Chris Boleman, were in attendance to accept the award. For the past decade, HLSR has made an extraordinary, unwavering commitment to empowering underserved children across Houston with access to high-quality programs and resources they need to become strong readers. Initiatives such as Reading Roundup, Read Houston Read, and the Curiosity Cruisers are just a few examples of what has been made possible with support from HLSR.

The event raised more than $225,000. All proceeds benefit the childhood literacy initiatives led by the Young Professionals Group in support of the Foundation’s mission.

YPG seeks to engage young professionals in Houston’s ongoing literacy crisis by creating opportunities for members to read, lead, and serve our next generation. To learn more about the Young Professionals Group and how you can get involved consider becoming a member and give back to the city we all call home.

Please enjoy photos from the Storybook Gala by clicking the button below.