The Power of Literacy
A Celebration of Reading is more like a Bush family affair
Photo by David Shutts Photography
Photo by David Shutts Photography
Photo by David Shutts Photography
Photo by David Shutts Photography
Photo by David Shutts Photography
Photo by David Shutts Photography
The Booker T. Washington maestro singers performed at the 11th annual ACelebration of Reading.Photo by David Shutts Photography
The Bush family welcomed more than 1,000 guests to their living room set at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for the 11th annual A Celebration of Reading event benefiting the Barbara Bush Foundation.
They pushed aside politics to support family literacy, urging parents to learn to read, which affects the outcomes of their children.
A VIP reception — with guests Caroline Rose Hunt, Senator Rick Santorum, Margaret Crow, Millie and Ken Cooper, Carolyn and Jere Thompson, Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, Elise and Burk Murchison, and Cynthia and Louis Beercherl — kicked off the evening with cocktails and conversation.
The show began as Barbara Bush gave guests some surprising (and hilarious) scoop on her husband, President George H.W. Bush, who could not attend the celebration.
"He might be 88 and in a wheelchair, but I still have no control over him," she said, regarding the former president's most recent obsession with colorful socks.
As a slideshow rolled in the background with photos of the president and his crazy socks, Barbara addressed the crowd. "After 68 years of marriage, if you can't beat them, join them." She then stepped to the side of the podium, lifted her slacks and revealed a pair of bold argyle socks — a testament to her humor and sass.
Later, co-chairs George P. Bush and his wife, Amanda, talked about the importance of literacy and the impressive essays submitted by students at the J. Erik Jonsson School. Then George P. introduced "Aunt" Doro Bush Koch, who reminisced about her mother and her belief in the importance of reading.
"Texas kids aren't getting the education they deserve," Doro said. "Reading must be a family value."
Amanda Bush then introduced Mary Mendez, who left Mexico at a very young age, married at 16 and enrolled in the Plano Literacy Program at 26 to make a better life for herself. Mendez thanked the Bush family and everyone in attendance for supporting the cause that has helped enrich her — and her family's — life.
The evening continued as members of the Bush family — Pierce Bush, Ashley Bush and Lizzie Andrews — introduced five esteemed authors: Sally Bedell Smith, Robert Zorn, Nicole Wallace, Kathryn McGarr and Senator Marco Rubio, who read excerpts from their books.
Neil Bush finished off by reading three letters written by his father, George H.W. Bush, including one the elder bush wrote to his granddaughters. For the audience, it felt like a warm, family affair.
The impactful night ended with a jaw-dropping performance by the maestro singers from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, followed by a lovely meal.
Ice skaters showed off their moves in the "Central Park" rink.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The Kilgore Rangerettes channeled the Radio City Rockettes.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Dessert included a cake that looked like a blue Tiffany box.Photo by Michael Merry