Superstar Authors Reveal at a Swank Memorial Mansion Gives This Celebration Extra Oomph

But Barbara Bush’s Special Gift Steals the Show

By Shelby Hodge // Dec 13, 2017

Photography Priscilla Dickson

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A Celebration of Reading Author reveal at Sue & Lester Smith home (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Lester & Sue Smith with Maria & Neil Bush at the 2017 Author Reveal for the Celebration of Reading.

What: Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation‘s “A Celebration of Reading” Author Reveal and Holiday Party

Where: The swank Memorial area home of Sue and Lester Smith

PC Moment: Foundation co-chairs Maria and Neil Bush joined the Smiths in hosting the merry crowd that was eager to learn the names of the New York Times bestselling authors who will take the stage at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts on April 18. But before that announcement Maria Bush presented Sue Smith with a special key that unlocked a box of glorious pearls from former First Lady Barbara Bush’s personal collection, a personal thank you for the Smiths’ support.

Foundation president Julie Baker Finck joined the Bushes in announcing the impressive author lineup for the annual fundraiser: Jim Gaffigan, Grammy-nominated comedian, performer and author of Food: A Love Story; Candice Millard, author of Hero of the Empire, Destiny of the Republic, and The River of Doubt; Christina “CK” Kerley, author of eBooks including The Smart Revolution and Future Proof; Clive Cussler, founder of the non-profit National Underwater and Marine Agency and author of Typhoon Fury and numerous other adventure stories; and former presidential candidate John Kasich, governor of Ohio and author of Two Paths: America Divided or United.

The authors will be presented in a lively program that typically includes a literacy testimonial, bon mots from members of the Bush family, and readings from the named authors. Dinner, which spreads throughout the Hobby Center, follows.

More than 100 holiday-attired supporters of “A Celebration of Reading” gathered for the announcement evening that included adult libations, party fare from Culinaire and the music of Moodafaruka.

Baobab Classique Scented Candles

Swipe

Who: Shahla and Hushang Ansary, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Trish and Rock Morille, Bill White, Ginger Blanton, Melza and Ted Barr, Shayna and Kiki Andrews, Molly and Jim Crownover, Stephanie Tsuru, Martha and Mark Carnes, Sally and Dr. Charles Neblett, Shelly and Brian Hendry, Limor and Stuart Smith, Elise and Russell Joseph, Pat and David Jones, Betty and John Hrncir, Anne and Craig Neeson, and Kathryn and Clive Runnels.