The Celebration

CHILDREN AT RISK held its Accolades Luncheon, a signature event and fundraiser celebrating thirty years of helping Houston children, at the haute Hotel Zaza. Deborah and David Roylance chaired the event welcoming 250 supporters wishing the organization a happy birthday and honoring those who advocate tirelessly for children. José Griñán of FOX-26 emceed.

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The Story

Guests enjoyed champagne and the music of Chris Lively while bidding on silent auction and big board items. A bourbon dinner for 12 from Frank’s Americana Revival was one of the items featured on the big board. Participants could enhance the fun by purchasing mystery grab bags containing jewelry from Peran & Scannell Jewelers before sitting down to the lovely lunch served in the hotel’s beautiful ballroom. To the delight of everyone, cake and ice cream were served at the meal’s end.

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The Moments

While guests dined, President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, Dr. Bob Sanborn, shared the organization’s top 10 achievements of the past 30 years. Along with Griñán and board chair-elect, Devika Kornbacher, Sanborn presented the annual Academy Awards of Child Advocacy. Afterward, Rose Escobar told the audience about her husband’s wrongful deportation and how it affected their children. She went on to describe how this inspired her to become an advocate for the children of immigrants.

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The important event raised $195,000 helping the organization fulfill its mission of speaking out and driving change for children.

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Special Guests and Honorees: Karen Labat, Ginni Mithoff, Mark Wallace, Alissa and Kevin Maples, Karla Cisneros, Andy Canales, Dr. Ann Barnes, Dr. Grenita Lathan, Dr. Chris Greeley, and Chris and Susannah Watt.

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About CHILDREN AT RISK

For 30 years, CHILDREN AT RISK has been leading the way in improving the quality of life for Texas’ children through research and advocacy. The nonprofit has also been instrumental in bringing together organizations to ensure the children of Texas have the support and services they need for success. Its focus is to make children’s needs a priority and to ensure ample resources are available for children and their families to thrive. As well, CHILDREN AT RISK is a well-known leader in understanding the health, safety, and economic indicators impacting children and in educating public policy makers in their importance in improving the lives of children.