Bush twins help raise funds for late first lady’s literacy foundation
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s annual “A Celebration of Reading” has always been a coveted ticket. Late first lady and Houston treasure Barbara Bush created the event to support her organization’s mission to boost adult literacy rates. To achieve that goal, she enlisted a few high-profile names over the years, including former Texans defensive star J.J. Watt, novelist Jackie Collins, New York Times columnist David Brooks, comedian Jim Gaffigan and her son, former President George W. Bush.
Bush died in 2018, but her legacy lives on. Last week, the twins and occasional “Today Show” co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush flew into town for the 28th annual celebration. Their appearance drew a sold-out crowd of 700 to the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown and ultimately raised $1.8 million toward their late grandmother’s cause.
Jenna and Barbara co-authored a nonfiction book, “Sisters First: Stories From Our Wild and Wonderful Life,” in 2017. KPRC-TV evening news anchor Daniella Guzman moderated a conversation between the two women onstage, touching on topics ranging from how their “Ganny” instilled a love of literacy to their new children’s book, “The Superpower Sisterhood.”
Fellow bestselling authors Alafair Burke, Brad Meltzer and Dr. Rick Rigsby rounded out the evening’s lineup. Other highlights from the Americana-themed program included a presentation of colors by the United States Navy Color
Guard of Houston and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by students from Barbara Bush Elementary School. Houston native and NBC’s “The Voice” contestant Dana Monique performed “America the Beautiful” alongside the Ernest Walker Community singers.
Julie Baker Finck, president and CEO of Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, announced the nonprofit’s newest initiative: Success Through Adult Reading. STAR aims to further the mission of promoting adult literacy by helping residents learn English, earn their GED certificate and more. A raffle funded a STAR scholarship.
Earlier in the day, longtime supporters Terri and John Havens hosted the toniest event of all — a private luncheon on their estate, where Neil Bush, foundation co-chair and wife Maria Bush shed a tear talking about his mother’s legacy.