Annual Friends and Families Luncheon Draws Lively Crowd

Over $156,000 Raised for The Children Museum of Houston’s Early Childhood and Parenting Programs

Springtime in Houston is synonymous with back-to-back fundraisers for our many incredible charities. You will seldom see a day during this season when a member of the philanthropic set isn’t dashing from luncheon to black tie gala. That being said, the Children’s Museum Annual Friends and Families Luncheon never fails to be one of the most highly anticipated fundraisers – and this year did not disappoint. A crowd of over 300 parents, benefactors and educators gathered at The River Oaks Country Club to hear from New York Times best-selling author Julie Lythcott-Haims. The 2019 Friends and Families Luncheon featured a delicious meal, a raffle with exciting items including a shopping party at The Webster, and most importantly, a speech given by Lythcott-Haims regarding parenting in today’s day and age.

Gina Gaston Elie served as Mistress of Ceremony, and presented the keynote speaker with much enthusiasm. Julie shared personal stories about her time spent counseling Stanford University students who came from homes with “overly-involved” parents. Her stories were relatable and hilarious, as every attendee was overcome with laughter over her real-life scenarios.

The luncheon also honored the recipients of the Marian and Speros Martel Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award. The finalists included Cynthia Ramirez, Northgate Crossing Elementary (Spring ISD); Cookie Gonzales-Herrera, Chinese Community Center (Alief ISD); and Zaira Ramos, Cornelius Elementary (HISD); and Isabel McHan, Farias Early Childhood Center, (HISD). The aforementioned individuals have all shown an incredible dedication to childhood education.

Spotted in the crowd: Whitney Anderson Walsh, Winnie Simmons Phillips, Stacy Johnson, Caroline Bean, Kristy Bradshaw, Elva Akin, Christie McCartney, Molly LaFauci, Millette Sherman, Gina Bhatia, Kim Petersen, Rishma Mohamed, Milessa Lowrie, Ursaline Hamilton, Ellen Simmons, Viviana Denechaud, Linda Anderson, Annie Eifler, Susie Criner, Lacey Goossen, Hunter Bell, Mary Kay Bowden, Amanda Boffone, Ting Bresnahan, Melissa Sugulas, Katie Arnoldy, Katie Zorich, Elisa Pye, Rachel Regan, Ginny Simmons and Bobbi Samuels.