CHILDREN AT RISK Accolades Luncheon 2017 Raises $175,000 For Children
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For children is the reason CHILDREN AT RISK works tirelessly advocating for better education, parenting skills, and health and nutrition, and against human trafficking. For children is why over 225 Houstonians attended the annual Accolades Luncheon hosted by CHILDREN AT RISK at Hotel ZaZa on October 27, 2017. They were there to support the organization because it serves as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of children in the great city of Houston. And, for children, is why $175,000 was raised.
The Accolades Luncheon is a longstanding tradition and an integral source of funding that makes the organization’s mission of speaking out and driving change for children possible. This year’s luncheon was chaired by Sicily Dickenson, and co-emceed by FOX-26 news anchor Melissa Wilson and Dr. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK.
During the event, the organization honored local heroes who have been, and continue to be, guiding lights for children in Houston and throughout Texas. They included: Dr. Sanghamitra M. Misra of Texas Children’s Hospital, Nancy Barnes of Houston Chronicle, Wafa Abdin of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Cynthia Colbert of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas State Representative Sarah Davis, and Ken Murphy of Mattress Firm.
Dr. Sanborn presented the honorees with beautiful artwork created by Ms. Smith’s Kindergarten Class of West University Elementary School. This touching presentation was followed by heartrending remarks from Dr. Maritza C. Roman-Pavajeau.
Auctioneer, Judge Eric Andell, auctioned off big board items, including Frank’s Americana Revival Chef’s Table Dinner for eight, which was won by Jane Wagner; brunch for six at the fabulous Americas River Oaks, which was won by Karen Labat; and the Zoom & ZaZa package which included a 911 Porsche rental from Indigo Group and a suite at the boutique hotel complete with spa treatment for two, which was won by Evelyn Volmer.
CHILDREN AT RISK thanks its wonderful sponsors and supporters which included Reed Smith LLP, The John M. O’Quinn Foundation, Mattress Firm, Chris and Susannah Watt, Myron “Buddy” Steves, Karen Labat, Texas Children’s Hospital, AIG, Locke Lord, Greater Houston Community Foundation, Community Health Choice, Catholic Charities, Vinson & Elkins LLP, Lauren Harrison, Ben Samuels and Marci Rosenberg, Michelle Kelly, and the YES Prep West Orchestra.
About CHILDREN AT RISK
CHILDREN AT RISK is a nonprofit organization leading the way to improving the quality of life for Texas’ children through research, collaboration, and advocacy. CHILDREN AT RISK educates the community and public officials based on its groundbreaking research, which tracks children’s health, safety, education, and economic conditions. By understanding children’s needs and speaking out on their behalf, CHILDREN AT RISK drives change.
For more information, please visit www.childrenatrisk.org, Facebook and Twitter.