2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Carol Sawyer learned at a very early age about volunteerism from her parents. Philanthropic and committed, they instilled in Carol a personal mission of “service before self.”
For over 35 years, Carol has been a dedicated volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Beginning with the Ladies Souvenir Program Committee, the Livestock Committee and the International Committee, she remains focused on the Armed Forces Appreciation Committee as Coordinator and Liaison and as co-creator/founder and the Ambassador of Rodeo Uncorked! Wine Committees.
Carol has been an advocate for Baylor College of Medicine beginning with Baylor Ten, the Huffington Center for Aging, a lifetime member of The Partnership and co-chairing two galas, the Honor Your Father Campaign for Prostate Cancer Research and as cochair of the Magic of Motown.
As Ex Officio, she has served in all capacities and remains an active proponent of The Partnership. Carol has been a loyal and staunch supporter of Houston Children’s Charity serving on the Annual Gala and Auction Committees, A Better Night’s Sleep events, Chariots for Children, HCC Closet, Easter and Christmas Party, Kool Kidz, Back 2 School, Adopt-AFamily and Toy Distribution.
Carol’s involvement spans many decades, organizations and committees, including the Crohns and Colitis Foundation Women of Distinction, Crime Stoppers of Houston, The Krist Samaritan Center, Joyful Toyful Fiesta, Multiple Sclerosis On the Move Committee, the American Heart Association Guild, Women of Wine Charities, among many others.
Currently, as Co-VP of Community Engagement of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Ladies for Literacy Guild, Carol continues the mission to improve lives through the power of literacy.
When Stephanie Tsuru moved to Houston from a small mountain town in 2006, she quickly learned of Houston’s robust philanthropic landscape and the generosity of heart, mind and spirit that prevails.
It was soon apparent she had landed in a city that embraced her quest to promote literacy, reduce illiteracy and erase educational inequality.
She diligently sought like-minded organizations and soon found herself involved in many and at the helm of several.
Laser focused on the transformational power of literacy, she champions programs around Houston encompassing all ages from pre-k to adult learning programs.
She concentrates her efforts at institutions as diverse as Star of Hope; Yellowstone Academy in the Third Ward, where she serves as their Chief Literacy Advocate; and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, where she is the acting President of the Ladies for Literacy this year, and the co-founder of its state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind Book Mobile, the Curiosity Cruiser.
Embracing both large and smaller, grass-roots organizations, she has chaired or been honored at events for Star of Hope, Yellowstone Academy, Spring Spirit, iWRITE and Amazing Place. She ardently supports the organizations TEACH, Books Between Kids, the Neuhaus Education Center, Small Steps, The Ronald McDonald House and the Herman Park Conservancy.
She has been honored as a 2018 Woman of Distinction, chaired the Mayor’s Leadership Literacy Breakfast, walked in the Texas Children’s Celebration of Champions, and is preparing to chair events for both the Star of Hope and Yellowstone Academy.
Stephanie gathers her strength from her faith, and the love of her family and friends.