Gala Preview Celebrity Dinner Kids Programs · Sleep,” you’ve helped children sleep sound-ly. Through our van program, “Chariots for Children,” you’ve helped broaden the

Fall 2008

Kid Stuffkid stuffa publication of Houston Children’s Charity

fall 2008pages 2-3 page 5 page 6-7

Executive Director | Laura Ward

Houston Children’s Charity | A Year in Review

“Our Kids are Everybody’s Kids.”

Whatadifferenceayearmakes!Thepagesthatfollowwillgiveyouanin-depthlookatourprogramsandarecapofourexcitingeventsthathelpusraisefundstoassistthespecialchildrenofHouston.However,nowwe’dliketosharewithyoutheimpactwe’vemadeinthepastyear.Whilewerecognizethatit’snotaboutthequantityofassistanceprovidedbutratherthequalityoftheservice.Wealsounderstandthatthemorehelpwecanprovide,thebetteritisforthechildren.

- Christmas Party | December 16, 2007 - 650 children from 17 area agencies

- Adopt-A-Family Program | Christmas 2007 - 67 sponsors, 100 familes with 266 children

- Toy Distribution | Christmas 2007 - 940 children from 145 families and area agencies.

- Easter Party | March 1, 2008 - 320 children from 8 area agencies

- Chariots for Children Van Program - 5 Vans, 1 Minivan, 1 Box Truck

- Houston Comets Basketball Outing - 300 children

- HCC Scholarship Program - 4 recipients (each awarded $12,000)

The faces of

Houston Children’s

Charity

DearFriends,

In a city of over four million people,it is often the smallest voices that go un-heardand,becauseofthis,Houston’sspe-cialchildrenareforceddailytogowithoutessentialssuchasfood,healthcareorevena bed. Twelve years ago, Houston Chil-dren’sCharitywascreated toaddress thisvery problem. Since then, our desire hasconsistentlybeen theheartofourmissionstatement:toleavenolegitimaterequestforassistanceunanswered.

Wecan’ttakeonsuchadauntingtask,though,withoutyou:ourfriendsanddedi-catedsupporters.Inthepastyear,yourgen-erorsityhashelpedusprovideasmall rayofsunshineintheotherwisedismallydarklives of many families in our great city.Throughourbedprogram,“ABetterNight’sSleep,”you’vehelpedchildrensleepsound-ly.Throughourvanprogram,“ChariotsforChildren,”you’vehelpedbroadentheedu-cationalandculturalhorizonsofcountlesschildren.YougaveChristmastoover1,800children who would otherwise not havehad one.You also helped send four hard-workinganddeservingstudentstocollegethroughourScholarshipProgram.

As we approach a busy time of yearwithour12thAnnualGalaonOctober25thand Christmas programs that will followshortlythereafter,Iwouldliketotakethisopportunitytothankyou.Mysincerestap-preciationgoestoyou,ourfriends,notonlyfor the unwaivering support you’ve givenin years past but for all of the wonderfulmomentsofgenerositythatyouwillsurelybeapartofinthefuture.Ilookforwardtoworking with you as we make an impactin the lives of Houston’s underprivileged,abused and disabled children who havebeenotherwiseleftbehind.

Gala Preview Celebrity Dinner Kids Programs

12

TH A

NN

UA

LGA

LAMomentum BMW Southwest & West

and

The Houston Children’s Charity Board of Directorspresent the

12th Annual GalaSaturday, October 25, 2008

Hyatt Regency Houston

Featuring a special performance by British superstar soul singer, Joe Cocker

Sheridan & John Eddie WilliamsChairpersons

Shelby Hodge & Shafik RifaatHonorees

2009 BMW 335I Convertible

-Betheowneroftheexclusive2009BMW335iConvertiblewithretractable hardtop. There is currently a waitlist for this spectacular vehicle. Be the first one toownit!

Courtesy of Momentum BMW Southwest and West

Over the Top in Cabo

-5Couples-7nightstayinoneofthelargesthomesinLosCabos,“CasaPlaya,”overlookingthebeautifulwatersoftheSeaofCortez

Courtesy of Penny & Paul B. Loyd, Jr. -Roundtripairtransportationfor6viaprivatejet

Courtesy of Cathy & Jesse Marion

Golden Nugget

-5couples-WeekendstayinaSpaTowersuiteattheGoldenNugget-$1,000foreachcoupleinpromotionalchips-Dinnerandbeveragesfor10atVic&Anthony’s-Dinnerandbeveragesfor10atGrottos-Roundtripairtransportationfor10viaprivatejet-Challenger

Courtesy of Tilman J. Fertitta & the Golden Nugget

Western Mediterranean Cruise

-7Nightcruisefor2aboardoneofSeabournCruiseLines’fabulousships-Cruiseincludesallmeals,drinks,onboardentertainment,andgratuities.

Courtesy of Frosch Travel / The Leibman Family & Seabourn Cruise Line-2roundtripBusinessFirsttickets Courtesy of Continental Airlines

Girl’s Best Friends

-DiamondBracelet-Courtesy of Paul Carter Jewels-CesarGalindoEveningGown-Leopard-printchiffongownwithlaceembellishments- Courtesy of Cesar Galindo-FullLengthFurCoat-Courtesy of Sakowitz Furs

Buenos Aires

-3NightsinBuenosAires:AlvearPalace(deluxeroom)Courtesy of Alvear Palace Hotel

-2roundtripBusinessFirstClasstickets

Colorado Awaits You - Telluride

-5Couples-1WeekStayinaspectacularhillsideresidenceinTelluride,Colorado-Entertainyourguestssurroundedbymorethan5,300squarefeetofcomfort - 5 bedrooms, 6 and 1 half baths, 5 fireplaces, steam showers, sauna, sunken exteriorhottub,andrecreationroomwithfullkitchen,fungamesandthetruefeel of “quality family time” sitting around the fire!

Courtesy of Sheridan & John Eddie Williams

Hit the Slopes - Beaver Creek

-Nomattertheseason,youandnineofyourfriendswillmakelastingmemoriesduringaweek’sstayinthisprivate,ski-in/ski-outmountainhomefeaturingaccesstotheclub/spa,graciouslivinganddiningareasandanindoorhottub.-RoundtripairtransportationviaDassaultFalconprivatejet.

Courtesy of Edna Meyer-Nelson

Kick It Up With Kimmel & Sushi with Belushi

-4ticketstoatapingof“LateNightwithJimmyKimmel”-Back-stagemeetandgreetwithphoto-op-DinnerwithJimmyKimmel

Courtesy of Jimmy Kimmel-4ticketstoatapingof“AccordingtoJim”-Backstagemeetandgreetwithphoto-op-SushiDinnerwithJimBelushi

Courtesy of Jim Belushi-GuitarautographedbyJamesBrown

Courtesy of Anna Williams

Stardom for a Year

-Betheenvyofallyourfriendswith2ticketstoeachofthefollowingexclusiveawardshows!

Coast to Coast Grand Slam

-Houston: - 4 first row tickets directly behind homeplate at an Astros Game, Dinner at Vic&Anthony’sSteakhouse.

Courtesy of Paige & Tilman Fertitta and Landry’s Restaurants, Inc.-4ticketsbehindhomeplateatanAstrosGamenexttothediamondclubandbehindthenet,4VIPClubpasses,ParkingpassinlotA,$250giftcardtoVic&Anthony’s.

Courtesy of Dr. Hank and Jackie Blum-Boston:-4premiereticketstoaBostonRedSoxGame,Chef’stastingfor4atTheCapitalGrille,2NighthotelstayattheBostonMarriotCopleyPlace,RoundtripAirfarefor4included.

Courtesy of The Capital Grille-LosAngeles: - 4 first row tickets directly behind homeplate at a Los AngelesDodgersGame,Dinner,3NightStayatTheBeverlyHillsPeninsulaHotel,RoundtripFirstClassAirfareincluded.

Courtesy of Edna Meyer-Nelson-St.Louis:-4ticketsonthefrontrownexttotheSt.LouisCardinalsdugout,Dinner,2NightHotelStay,RoundtripFirstClassAirfareincluded.

Courtesy of Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.

Houston Restaurant Tour

-Dinnerfor10(Wine&BeverageIncluded)

Courtesy of All Parties Mentioned

-BillboardAwards-GoodMorningAmerica(VIPseats)-TheCountryMusicAwards-JimmyKimmelLive(VIPseats)-TheDaytimeEmmys

-LivewithRegis&Kelly(VIPseats)-TheGrammy’s-TheEllenDeGeneresShow-TheTonyAwards-TheView(VIPseats)

-CaféAnnie-Damian’sCucinaItaliana-FlemingsPrimeSteakhouseandWineBar-Gigi’sAsianBistro&DumplingBar-Masraff’s-Shula’sSteakHouse-HyattRegencyHouston-SorrentoRistorante

-TheCapitalGrille-Vic&Anthony’sSteakhouse-Mortons(Dinnerfor20,WineandBeverageIncluded)-Culinaire(Cateredmulti-coursedinnerfor20inyourhomeincludingwaitstaff.Alcoholnotincluded.)

Live Auction Preview

2

J.S.&DeborahAdlerBobAllenIleneAllenAlvearPalaceHotelAlvinGeePhotography/MaryBethTouchstoneAnimalHouseMaryBethAspromonteGeorgeAult,MomentumBMWSouthwestEricka&JeffBagwellBailey’sAmericanGrille-ClearlakeKelly&DougBarclayEdwardBarnettDennisBeardenJimBelushiMelinda&Dr.NormanBerkmanElvinBetheaCraigBiggioCynthiaBlizzardPaul&MerrillBonarrigoBrittanyBlakeInteriorsChrisBrownElaineBlockKathyBosworthDebbieBransonElisabeth&JamesBrayMarianne&GilBruvelR.BruceBuckleyBudLight/SilverEagleDistributors,L.P.Budweiser/Anheuser-Busch,Inc.Susanne&JohnByramCafeAnnieDanCollins&MelissaZarikianDiane&JohnB.Connally,IIIJan&TimConnollyContinentalAirlinesHowardCovens/IntegrityLimousine&Towncar

Service,L.P.CovensInteriorPlants,Inc.CulinaireCateringChristy&LouCushman/ZacaMesaWineryDamian’sCucinaItalianaPerri&DanD’ArmondDougDawsonDr.&Mrs.ClotaireD.DeleryDarrylMurchisonDesign,LLCDeBeersDavidDevaney/WarehouseAssociatesLarryDierkerFrankDiMariaRossDinersteinRichardDole

Sylvia&TommyDorseyDougDrabekClydeDrexlerAudreyDrought-MitchellMaryEdmista/MFADesignsRenee&HillFeinbergPatriceFerguson&JohnCampPaigeandTilmanFertitta/Landry’s Restaurants,Inc.Debbie&RudyFestari/FestariforMenDeeDee&TommyFibichFirstSouthwestCompanyFleming’sPrimeSteakhouseandWineBarPatsy&GregFourticqDr.&Mrs.PedroFrommerFroschTravel/TheLeibmanFamily&Seabourn

CruiseLineJohnFurnishCesarGalindoBettyGaltBrownGigi’sAsianBistro&DumplingBarMichaelGilgGittingsSandy&LeeGodfreySylviaGoldsteinHarrietGordonJanetGurwitchGrantW.GuthrieSusan&DickHansenHarold’sPatriciaandPatHarrison/WarehouseAssociatesElizabeth&GrantHarveyElvinHayesTimHellerTracyHendrix/DelFriscosShelby Hodge & Shafik RifaatArlene&MarshallHoffmanLeisaHolland-NelsoLindseyHolsteadCourtneyHopkinsHoustonJewishCommunityFoundationCarol&JohnHowenstineVirginia&GeorgeHuckebaDianaHudson&LeeKaplanSimone&JohnIrwinMary&JohnnyB.JohnsonKaren&MarkJohnsonJoseEberSalonKaylinHarrJewelersMarthaKeanJimmyKimmel

KinderFoundationTomKochKrispenKTRK,Channel13LillyKuceraAndressLarie&JackLenhartReneeJ.LewisDianeLokeyFarbPenny&PaulB.Loyd,Jr.OliverLuckJoanLyonsMasraff’sAmineMattaMichelle&JeffMajewskiLisaMaloskyBarbaraMcKnightEdMcMahonMontyMeave/MomentumBMWWestLynneMeiers&RandyDrakeChristineandLouisMessinaEdnaMeyer-NelsonMGProductions/MichaelGilgStephanie&AnthonyMilamMomentumBMWSouthwest&WestMariaMoncada-Alaoui/MomentumBMWLynnMonteithAuthorMooradian/DelFriscosDr.LoisJ.MooreMorton’s-TheSteakhouseNederlandJewelersDonNelsonGiffNielsenNimaBoutiqueSusan&FredNixRobertOrosDennisO’RourkePasadenaISDEducationFoundationPaulCarterJewelsPerry’sSteakhouse-ClearlakeDanciePeruginiWareJohnPham/MomentumBMWPossini’sRAGPrintingTerryH.RambinRenaissanceArtsMaryLouRettonKelleyFelixRhymes/RhymesandCo.JohnRichardsMaryF.Riley,DDSFranelleRogersSybilF.Roos

E.JayRosensteinRuth’sChrisSteakhouseNolanRyanSakowitzFursSallyJ.SalnersJess&BethSandersMooreCarol&Dr.TomSawyerKristi&JohnSchiller,Jr.MikeSenske/AquariumDesignGroupLLCCharles SheffieldShula’sSteakHouse-HyattRegencyHoustonSilverseaCruisesRobin&PaulSimonSorrentoRistoranteNeimanMarcus/StaceySwiftTheAlkek&WilliamsFoundationTheCapitalGrilleTheHoustonianHotel,Club&SpaTheWrightPawn&JewelryCo.Inc.SpencerTillmanRobertTijerinaTony’sTootsie’sTRESGem&JewelryIleana&MichaelTrevinoMr.&Mrs.JesseTutorMaiTran/Mai’sNailsPerfectionSteveTrent,HyattRegencyHoustonTony&DonnaValloneAstridVanDykeVic&Anthony’sSteakhouseVikkiVines/GalleryAuctionsWalzel-FrickFoundationInc.CharlieWardLaura&DaveWardAndreWareSusan&TommyWattsSheridan&JohnEddieWilliamsBess&RobertWilsonKentWilsonMyraWilsonKathyBosworth&JohnWisneskiWoodlakeTravel/LindadeSosaVinceYoungVT2MediaDesign&Communications/ VicTamborellaZadokJewelersSherriZucker2008GalaCommittee

special thanks

underwritersBeckerFamilyFoundationMomentumBMWSouthwestandWestChristy&LouCushman/Arlene&MarshallHoffman/Carol&John

Howenstine/Jeff&MichelleMajewski/DennisO’Rourke&ElaineBlock/NedBarnett

Paige&TilmanFertitta/Landry’sRestaurants,Inc.Michelle&RobertMarshEdnaMeyer-NelsonTheMarionFoundationTheSmithFoundationSheila&WalterUmphreySheridan&JohnEddieWilliams

benefactorsEricka&JeffBagwellBMCSoftwareGatewoodFamilyFoundationJanetGurwitch/Susanne&JohnByram/PatriceFerguson&JohnCampHyattRegencyHoustonPenny&PaulB.Loyd,Jr.Mrs.MargaretAlkekWilliams/RayC.FishFoundation

sponsorsCynthia&BuckyAllshouse/Dr.Walter&LindaMcReynolds/Pat&DanBreenMomentumBMWSouthwestandWestBudLight/SilverEagleDistributors,L.P.TheSmithFoundationJeanette&JimWoods

patronsLeslieAlexander&TheHoustonRocketsSuzyAtkins&SteveGordan/Annette&HalKuntzBudweiser/Anheuser-Busch,Inc.CitiContinentalAirlinesCooperIndustriesCowboys&IndiansDianeLokeyFarb/Karen&MikeMayell/Jess&BethSandersMooreGardereWynneSewellLLPGracelyFootprintsFoundationDavidHuntingtonDarlaLexington&JohnO’QuinnCoraSue&HarryMachMagenheim&AssociatesLouis&ChristineMessinaStanfordGroupCompanyThompson&KnightMr.&Mrs.DavidM.Underwood,Jr.ValerusCompressionServices,L.P./MaximSilencers,Inc.Mr.&Mrs.RobWilson,III

supportersMelinda&Dr.NormanBerkman/Patsy&GregFourticq/Diane&JohnB.Connally,III/Karen&MarkJohnson/Vesta&Dr.PedroFromerJedManocherian-Bony/InHonorofEdnaMeyer-NelsonBusinessInsuranceGroupVicki&DonK.ClarkCocaColaNorthAmericaCovenantHouseBoardofDirectorsDevonEnergyCorporationFrankDiMaria/TonyZagorskiCarolynFaulk/A&CPlastics,Inc.Julia&RussellFrankelJenniferHawkinsHawthorneFoundation

(Supporters continued)HerculesOffshoreHoustonChronicleHumanaHealthPlansSteveKherkher/JimHart/JohnBoundasKTRK-TV/ABC13EdnaMeyer-NelsonAudreyandLeeMitchellMomentumJaguarPaulCarterJewelsCarol&Dr.TomSawyer/RichardDole/Dr.&Mrs.Delery/Vicki&JimClepperAmbassadorArthurSchechter&Mrs.JoyceSchechterTexasChildren’sHospitalTheMethodistHospitalUniversityofTexasHealthScienceCenteratHoustonUteEnergyWhitneyBank

individual patronsLilly&ThurmonAndressDr.Henry&JackieBlumDr.F.Charles&MelissaBrunicardiTracieButryn&MichaelWardDr.&Mrs.JohnB.Clemmons,Jr.Dr.&Mrs.GaryK.FriedmanGittingsDarryl&UrsalineHamiltonSusan&DickHansonMaryann&JodieHofferMargaret&JeffreyLanier,M.D.TriniMendenhall-Sosa&FrankSosaFranelleRogersReginaRogersLyndaL.TransierAstrid&GeneVanDykeInna&ScottWitzig

Featuring a special performance by British superstar soul singer, Joe Cocker

3

John Eddie & Sheridan Williams Shafik Rifaat & Shelby Hodge, Tilman Fertitta

Vicki Clark, Jan Carson, Ilene Allen Perri & Dan D’Armond

Don & Maggie Henderson, Dr. David Poplack

Momentum BMW’s Monty Meave, Maria Moncada Aloui & George Ault

Whatdoyougetwhenyoucombineagroupof

diligent committee members, fabulous auction items

andtheevergenerousMomentumBMW?Themakings

ofatrulyspectacularGalaAuction.

Thanks to thegenerosityofourfriendsatMo-

mentumBMWSouthwestandWest,all proceedsfrom

theGala’spremiereLiveAuction item, a2009BMW

335iConvertiblewithRetractableHardtop, will benefit

HoustonChildren’sCharity.Adonationofthismagni-

tudewilltremendouslyaidHoustonChildren’sCharity

and thespecialchildrenweserve. Notonlyhaveour

friendsatBMWdonatedthisyear’spremiereLiveAuc-

tion item,but theyhavealreadyagreed tobeour title

sponsor anddonateyet another fabulouscar toHous-

tonChildren’sCharityforour2009Gala:Theluxurious

BMW6Series.WethankourfriendsatBMWSouth-

westandWest-thisisanunprecedentedcontribution.

TheGalaCommitteemembershavebeenwork-

inghardtosecuresomeamazingauctionitemsforthe

upcoming event on October 25th! We would like to

thank Paige and Tilman Fertitta for hosting a beauti-

ful evening for thecommitteeon thealways stunning

verandaatBrenner’son theBayou inMarch.Acock-

tailbuffetincludingstonecrabclawsandhotchocolate

chipcookiesandmilkreallywowedthecrowd.Many

thanksgotoAuthorMooradianforhostinganelegant

eveningin thewineroomatDelFrisco’s inMay.Del

Frisco’spinapple-infusedmartiniswereenjoyedbyall.

WelookforwardtoabeautifuleveningatShula’sSteak

HouseattheHyattRegencyHoustoninSeptember.We

thankSteveTrent,GeneralManageroftheHyatt,forhis

generosity.

Abigthankstoallwhohavebeeninvolvedwith

thisyear’sGalaCommittee.HoustonChildren’sCharity

couldn’tdoitwithoutyou!

2008 Gala Committee

Melanie Johnson & Paige Fertitta

Brittany Zucker, Michelle & Jeff Majewski, Sherri Zucker

Carolyn Faulk & Mike Kacal

Gil & Marianne Bruvel

John & Donna Speer

Felix Rhymes, Grant Guthrie, Bob Ogle, Greg Brown

4

The Premeire 2008 Gala Live Auction Item

Generously donated by Title Sponsor Momentum BMW

Southwest and West

2009 BMW 335i Convertible with Retractable Hardtop.

Shafik Rifaat & Shelby Hodge, Tilman Fertitta

The vibrant colors of the tropical flowers, the spicy scent of Mexi-

canfoodandthesoftsoundsofsalsamusicprovidedtheperfectsettingfor

the fiesta-themed celebrity party at the home of Paige and Tilman Fertitta

in April. With a guest list of over 150 attendees, the night was filled with

funandfamiliarfacesofthosewithtrulygreatachievements.

Thebeautifulterraceandpooloverlooking

therollinglandscapeoftheFertitta’shomewould

havebeenchicenough,buttheypulledoutallthe

stops, leaving no detail unattended to. To truly

authenticate the fiesta-theme, a poolside cantina

served refreshing margaritas that complimented

the sizzling fajita bar. Tables were adorned with

fiesta inspired clothes and the décor was carried

throughoutthelandscape.

InthecrowdwerenewcomerTennesseeTitanQuarterbackVince

Youngalongwithall-timefavorite,NolanRyan.(Otherstarsthatshown

brightlyincludedJeffBagwell,CraigBiggio,LarryDierker,andMaryLou

RettonKelley.)ThehighlightofthenightcamewhenTilmanintroduced

each celebrity and presented them each with a leather duffle bag from the

charity.

ExecutiveDirectorLauraWard introducedandhonored the four

purchasers,JulieandAlanKent,MichelleandRobertMarsh,DeeDeeand

WallisMarsh,andEdnaMeyer-Nelsonwithagift

fromthecharity.

Alwaysthelifeoftheparty,HoustonTexan

GuardChesterPittsclosedtheprogramportionof

theeveningsayingexuberantly,“Thiswasawon-

derful evening. I’ll definitely be back next year!”

Everyoneinattendancecouldn’tagreemore.

Othercelebritiesthatmadetheeveningspe-

cialincludedBobAllen,ElvinBethea,ChrisBrown,DougDawson,Clyde

Drexler,ElvinHayes,CommanderMarkKelly,CommanderScottKelly,

OliverLuck,LisaMalosky,GiffNielsen,SpencerTillman,DaveWard,

CharlieWardandAndreWare.

A Night Among the Stars | Celebrity Dinner

“This was a wonderful evening. I’ll definitely be back next year!” - Chester Pitts | Houston Texans Guard

Nolan Ryan, Elvin Hayes, Elvin Bethea, Larry Dierker, Scott Kelly, Dave Ward, Giff Neilson, Bob Allen,

Michelle & Robert Marsh, Vince Young, Lisa Malosky, Jeff Bagwell, Chester Pitts, Roy Marsh & date, Oliver

Luck, Charlie Ward, Chris Brown, Clyde Drexler, Craig Biggio, Andre Ware, Mark Kelly, Doug Drabek,

Mary Lou Retton Kelley, Spencer Tilman

George Ault, Felix Rhymes, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Maria Moncada Aloui

Clyde Drexler, Tilman Fertitta, Jeff Bagwell

Vince Young, Paige Fertitta, Major Adams

Sue & Lester Smith, Laura Ward Amy & Chris Brown Patty & Craig Biggio

Shannon & Mary Lou Retton Kelley, Ruth & Nolan Ryan

Dave Ward, Cathy & Jesse Marion Elvin & Pat Bethea

Nolan Ryan, Elvin Hayes, Elvin Bethea, Larry Dierker, Scott Kelly, Dave Ward, Giff Neilson, Bob Allen,

Allison Kent, Alan & Julie Kent, Vince Young, Lisa Malosky, Jeff Bagwell, Chester Pitts, Drs. Jennifer & Todd

Youngblood, Oliver Luck, Charlie Ward, Chris Brown, Clyde Drexler, Mark Kelly, Mary Lou Retton Kelley, Craig

Biggio, Andre Ware, Doug Drabek, Spencer Tilman

Nolan Ryan, Elvin Hayes, Elvin Bethea, Larry Dierker, Scott Kelly, Dave Ward, Giff Neilson, Bob Allen,

Wallis & Dee Dee Marsh, Vince Young, Lisa Malosky, Oliver Luck, Jeff Bagwell, Chester Pitts, Charlie Ward, Chris Brown, Mary Lou Retton Kelley, Clyde Drexler,

Craig Biggio, Andre Ware, Mark Kelly, Doug Drabek, Spencer Tilman

5

A Better Night’s Sleep

Making a difference for Houston’s

Adopt-A-Family HCChelpshundredsoffamiliesrepresentingthousandsofchildrenintheHoustonareaeachyear.

Thefamiliesweserveareindireneedofhelpandwouldnototherwisereceiveassistance.

Themajorityofourfamiliesaresinglemothersraisingtheirchildrenalone,strugglingtoaffordthe

mostbasicnecessities.Christmaspresentsarealuxurycompletelyoutoftheirreach.Itisourgoalduring

theHolidaystoprovideeachfamilyweservewithwonderful,highqualitygifts.Werelyentirelyonyour

generosityanddonationstodothis.

TheAdopt-A-FamilyProgramconnectssponsorswithfamiliesto“adopt”byprovidingthemwith

a family profile and wish list. Sponsors buy presents for their specific families and arrange to deliver them

totheiradoptedfamily.Ifyouoryourcompanywouldbeinterestedinsponsoringafamilyorfamiliesthis

Christmasseasonorwouldlikemoreinformationaboutthisveryworthwhileprogram,pleasecalltheHCC

office at (713)524-2878 or check out our website at www.houstonchildrenscharity.org.

Sleep Research

Houston Children’s Charity’s newest program,A Better Night’s Sleep, will allowHouston’sspecialchildrentosleepcomfortablyeverynight.$100putsachildinanewbed!The goal is to provide beds to children who are sleeping on the floor, never having had a rest-fulplacetolaytheirhead.HCCwillalsoprovidesheets,pillows,blanketsandpillowcasesforeachbedgiventoaneedychild. Thereare thousandsofchildren inHoustonwhodonothavebeds,manyof themsleeping on the floor. Scientific research has been conducted that links better performance in schooltoagoodnight’ssleep. Initiallyannouncedatthe2007HCCGala,$80,600wasraised.For$100,anindi-vidualcansponsorabedforachildinneed,whichmeansonthatnightalone,HCCraisedenoughfundstopurchaseover800beds.Sincetheprogram’slaunchandtheoutstandingsupportfromthe11thAnnualGalainOctober,HCChasprovidedmanychildreninHoustonwithexactlywhattheprogramoffers:abetternight’ssleep.InJuly2008alone,over100bedsweregiventoneedychildrenfrom63familiesinourcommunity. ThegrowthofthisprogramissuretobeswiftwiththehelpoftheSleepTeamCreatorandFounderLaura Ward,Jeff Majewski,Ilene AllenandCarol Sawyerandapartner-shipwithTheFurnitureBank.Toencouragethisgrowth,wehavealsopartneredwithmanyagenciesinordertomakethebiggestimpactpossibleinthelivesofHouston’sspecialchil-dren.Thesepartneragenciesinclude:AldineYouth,BeanAngel,Boys&GirlsClub,Boys&GirlsHarbor,CasadeEsperanza,ChildAdvocates,Inc.,Children’sAssessmentCenter,Conroe PoliceActivities League, Covenant HouseTexas, Holy Family Catholic Church,HopeShelter, IncentiveBoysRanch,Jaycee’sCenterforGirls,KIPPAcademy,LaRosa,NehemiahCenter,OdysseyHouse,SEARCH,ShamarHopeHaven,TheForgeforFamilies,TheWestviewSchool,andWestsideHomelessPartnership. TheFurnitureBankhasagreedtoprovidestorageforthebedsandframesandwillalso provide the delivery and setup for the beds. Currently, they have 3 delivery truckswhichhavebeenprovidedbyHCCoverthepastseveralyears,includingaboxtruckrecentlydonated to them specifically for delivering beds to our recipients. To find out how you can be involved in this incredible venture, please call the HCC office at (713)524-2878 or check out our website at www.houstonchildrenscharity.org.

The growth ofAdopt-A-Family

2006

33 families, 88 children

2007

67 Sponsors, 100 families, 266 children

Symptoms of sleep deprivation in children: - Moodiness & irritability - Tendency to emotionally ‘explode’ at

the slightest provocation - Over-activity & hyperactive behavior

Effects of sleep loss on children: - Sleep loss causes a range of problems in school, including naughtiness and

poor concentration. - Sleep problems in teenagers are associated with increased risk of disorders such as depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

How much sleep is enough? - Primary school children – need about nine to

10 hours. Studies show that increasing your child’s sleep by as little as half an hour can dramatically improve school performance.

- Teenagers – need about nine to 10 hours, too. Teenagers have an increased sleep requirement at the time when social engagements and peer pressure cause a

reduction in sleep time.

Source: Better Health Channel Online

6

Chariots for Children

Special Children

It’s Game Time | Comets Game For300ofHouston’sspecialchildren,June3rd,June28th,andJuly

22nd weren’t just any other nights; they were nights filled with fun and ex-

citementastheywatchedtheHoustonCometsatReliantArena.ShamarHope

Haven,BonitaHouse, Jaycee’sChildrenCenter,ConvenantHouseandSt.

MichaelHomeforChildrenallenjoyedthefunandlaughterofoneofmany

children’s outings. 100 tickets for each game were donated by Cathy and

Jesse Marion and the children enjoyed hotdogs, chips, cookies and drinks

courtesyofHoustonChildren’sCharity.SpecialthankstotheAramarkstaff

forallthattheydidtohelpthenightsbethesuccessestheywere!

One of Houston Children’s Charity’s long-standing and most successful pro-grams,ChariotsforChildren,hasdoneitagain!OnAugust6,2008,HoustonChildren’sCharityheldaluncheonatWillieG’stoawardsixvansandoneboxtrucktosixlocalcharities that benefit Houston’s special children. These agencies include The Forge for Families,Inc.,ImpactYouthDevelopmentCenter,NoMoreVictims,Inc.,Pro-Vision,Inc.,CovenantHouseTexas,andTheFurnitureBank. ChairmanoftheBoard,TilmanFertitta,openedthelunchwelcomingandthank-ingallof theguests for their attendance.Hestated thatourmission is toprovide forHouston’sspecialchildrenwhereotherscannot.Wedothatinmanywaysandareex-tremelyproudofthevariousprogramsthatHoustonChildren’sCharityhascreated.HeintroducedExecutiveDirector,LauraWard,whoexplainedthatprogramssuchasChari-otsforChildrenallowHoustonChildren’sCharitytoassistthespecialchildreninHous-ton.ShewentontosaythattheChariotsforChildrenvanprogramwasfoundedin1996to provide specifically designed and equipped vehicles to organizations with a similar mission.Includingour2008vanrecipients,HoustonChildren’sCharityhasawardedatotalof76vansand3boxtruckstoover57agenciesandindividualfamiliesatacostof$2,073,923overthepast12years. LauraintroducedEdnaMeyer-Nelson,PresidentofHoustonChildren’sCharity,whopresentedthekeystoeachvantotheagencies.Eachrepresentativesharedincred-iblytouchingtestimoniesabouttheirrespectiveorganizationsandhowgratefultheyaretoHoustonChildren’sCharity. Lauraconcludedtheprogramandthankedeveryoneforcomingouttoshowtheirsupport forHoustonChildren’sCharity.Therewereover60guests in attendance, in-cludingIleneAllen,GeorgeAultofMomentumBMW,ErickaBagwell,CharleneFloyd,JodieHoffer,JesseMarion,JudyNichols,JimmyOlguin,FelixRhymes,WarnerRoberts,CarolandDr.TomSawyer,LindadeSosa,SherriZuckerandBrittanyZucker.BoardmembersinattendanceincludedGaryBecker,CarolynFaulk,GrantGuthrie,DonHen-derson,JeffreyMajewski,Dr.LoisMooreandDaveWard.

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Marilyn Gambrel, Executive Director of No More Victims, Inc.

Gary Becker, Laura Ward, Tilman Fertita, Edna Meyer-Nelson

Back-2-School

Getting ready to go back to school can be an ex-pensive process, and Houston Children’s Charity wantedtolightentheloadthisyearforsomeofourcity’sneedieststudents.InAugust,HoustonChildren’sCharityhelped200childrenprepareforthe2008-2009schoolyearbyprovidinguniformvouchers,backpacksandschoolsupplies. Onceagain,theHoustonAssociationforHealthUn-derwriters generously collected school supplies and mon-etarydonationstosupportthisprogramandpresentedthesegiftstoHCCattheirAugustmeeting.ThankyoutoHAHUPublicServiceChairVeronicaWingofororganizingsupportforthisevent.

Jodie Hoffer and Oli Mohammed of The Furniture Bank

Edna Meyer-Nelson, Ronda Robinson,Cathy Henderson, Monte Cuba

Houston Children’s Charity Board of Directors

OfficersTilman J. Fertitta, Chairman of the Board

Edna Meyer-Nelson, PresidentJohn B. Johnson, President-ElectGary D. Becker, Past-President

Grant W. Guthrie, Vice President/Funding Co-ChairRobert A. Marsh, Vice PresidentDonald J Henderson, SecretaryThaddeus B. Brown, Treasurer

Don K. Clark, Funding Co-ChairLaura S. Ward, Executive Director

Directors

Gregory L. BrownDaniel R. D’Armond

Carolyn Faulk Paul B. Loyd, Jr.

Jeffrey T. MajewskiDr. Lois J. Moore

Michael F. RogersKevin J. Young

Advisory Board

J. Downey BridgwaterPastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell

John L. Nau, IIIRobert E. Ogle

Dr. David G. PoplackDavid H. Ward

James D. Woods

We are always in need of caring

volunteers for our Children’s events.

Please contact the HCC Office at

713.524.2878 or email us at

[email protected] with your

name, address, phone

number and availability.

We appreciate your support!

For further information, visit our website atwww.houstonchildrenscharity.org

2008 Upcoming Events

Gala Underwriter Party - October 15, 2008

12th Annual Gala - October 25, 2008

Children’s Christmas Party

Adopt-A-Family Program