The Celebration

Houston Holocaust Museum welcomed 850 guests to the Hilton Americas – Houston for its annual Guardian of the Human SpiritLuncheon. The 2019 Guardian of the Human Spirit Award was bestowed upon The Astros Foundation, honoring its commitment to service and an unprejudiced society. Barbara and Michael Gamson, Patti and Mike Morgan, and Marcie and Bob Zlotnik chaired the luncheon. This year’s honorary chairs were Art Acevedo, The Honorable Lina Hidalgo, and The Honorable Sylvester Turner.

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The Story

Guests sat down to a delicious Kosher lunch featuring blackened salmon and a variety of tasty desserts. The spectacular decorations and flowers that enhanced the beautiful space were provided by Aztec and River Oaks Plant House, respectively.              

                                           

The Moments

H-E-B President, Scott McClelland,engaged guests in the seventh-inning stretch and led them in Take Me Out to the Ball Game. He then moderated an entertaining and informative conversation with Houston Astros Executive Advisor, Reid Ryan, and National Baseball Hall-of-Famer Jeff Bagwell.    

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The 2019 Guardian of the Human Spirit Award was accepted by Twila Carter, executive director of the Astros Foundation. The award was established in 1997 to acknowledge dedicated institutions and leaders who have worked to enhance the lives of others and to better humankind.From literacy efforts and programs to prevent domestic violence, the organization’s work exemplifies what it means to be a Guardian of the Human Spirit.

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This year’s luncheon raised $615,000 to fund general operations and educational and outreach programs.

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About Holocaust Museum Houston

Holocaust Museum Houston, Lester and Sue Smith Campus, was founded in 1996 by Houston-area Holocaust survivors, their descendants, and members of the community.The Museum is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews and other innocent victimswho perished in it, and honoring the  legacy of the survivors.  Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides, the museum teaches the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy.