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 and Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. 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.


A Celebration of Reading 2024

Following the 30th Anniversary of A Celebration of Reading at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts, KPRC 2 partnered with the Foundation to produce a special broadcast with exclusive author interviews and Foundation highlights. 

A Celebration of Reading Community Impact

24M

Dollars Raised Since 2013

15,000+

Attendees Since 2013

24,500+

Households Watched Televised Program in 2023

What people are saying…

“It has been an honor and a privilege to collaborate with the Bush family for the past 29 years 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

2025 Sponsor Recognition

Title Sponsor

  • Power of Literacy Luncheon

    Join us for the 9th Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon on Friday, October 25, 2024, at The Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston. We are honored to feature actress and New York Times bestselling author Kimberly Williams-Paisley as our distinguished keynote speaker.

  • Storybook Gala

    Hosted by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Young Professionals Group, last year’s “party with a purpose” headed to Union Station at Minute Maid Park on Friday, November 10th, as we journeyed Around the World with Madeline.