We measure our success by the number of children whose lives are touched by our efforts each year. Houston Children’s Charity is served by its Founder, President & CEO Laura Ward, and a steadfast Board of Directors who carefully steward the resources of our donors to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of Houston’s children.
With an ambitious goal to leave no legitimate request for assistance unanswered, we seek to expand our base of support through dedicated sponsors and committed volunteers to strengthen our ability to help children. Our supporters come from all walks of life and understand that caring means giving of themselves. There are numerous ways to be a part of our work. Explore our programs and events to see how you would like to become involved and contact us today!
On this day in 2017, Hurricane Harvey reached Houston, beginning one of the most devastating chapters in our city’s history—and one of its most extraordinary displays of compassion.
In the aftermath, thousands of Houston families were displaced from their homes. And when those families eventually returned, thousands of children would need something very basic waiting for them: a bed of their own.
Houston Astros star Carlos Correa stepped forward with Houston Children’s Charity to establish the Hurricane Harvey Children’s Relief Fund, setting an ambitious goal of $500,000 to provide 5,000 beds for children impacted by the storm.
Then Houston did what Houston does.
People gave. Partners rallied. And The Astros Foundation stepped up with the final $100,000 needed to take the campaign beyond its goal.
Today, on the anniversary of Harvey, we remember the devastation—but we also remember the extraordinary people who answered the call when Houston’s children needed them most.
$500,000. 5,000 beds. One extraordinary community.
🎉 Join us in wishing our incredible board member, Bob Ogle, a very Happy Birthday! 🎂✨
We hope you had a wonderful celebration over the weekend! Thank you for your continued leadership, support and dedication to Houston Children’s Charity and the children we serve. We are grateful to have you as part of our HCC family! 💛
For the past year, our Program Services Director, Genesis Bautista, has helped lead Houston Children’s Charity with passion, dedication, and heart. 💛
“I’m grateful to be part of an organization that brings hope and support to children in our community, ensuring every child has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported. Our kids are the heart of Houston’s future, and every seed we sow in them today will bear fruit for generations to come.”
Great organizations aren’t built by one person. They’re strengthened over time by people willing to step forward, take responsibility, open doors, build relationships, and lead.
Over Houston Children’s Charity’s first 30 years, eight Presidents have helped guide the organization through different chapters of its growth. Each brought something different to the role—but all shared one belief: Houston’s children deserve a community willing to answer when they need help.
Today, we celebrate Robert E. Ogle, Gary D. Becker, David L. Moore, Edna Meyer-Nelson, John B. Johnson, Tad Brown, Penny Loyd, and Laura S. Ward for their leadership, service, and lasting contributions to Houston Children’s Charity.
Robert E. Ogle | 1996 Where leadership began. A CPA turnaround professional and longtime civic leader, Robert Ogle became Houston Children's Charity’s first President and helped give a brand-new organization the foundation in leadership it needed to grow. He has also led the Houston CPA society, Good Samaritan Foundation and Operation Rainbow.
Gary D. Becker | 2002 & 2005–2006 The President Who Came Back Gary brought decades of experience in live entertainment and relationship-building to Houston Children's Charity that helped start the star studded annual gala productions. He served not once, but twice as President. His career included more than 40 years with PACE Entertainment and later leadership in developing Smart Financial Centre. He remains HCC’s Vice Chairman today.
David L. Moore | 2003–2004 Building the Early Years David Moore helped guide Houston Children's Charity during a formative period when the organization was still building its reputation, relationships, and presence throughout Houston. David thought every child should have privilege of a bike at Christmas and started HCC bike program that would later become his Elves and Moore.
Edna Meyer-Nelson | 2007–2009 Leadership That Lasts Edna brought the same entrepreneurial drive to Houston Children's Charity that built The Richland Companies, the commercial real estate company she founded in 1993. Nearly two decades after her presidency, she's still serving Houston Children's Charity today as Treasurer, not to mention a reliable supporter for 28-years.
John B. Johnson | 2010–2013 Community Leadership in Action John helped lead Houston Children's Charity through four important years of growth while bringing deep Houston business and community relationships to the organization. During his presidency, Houston Children's Charity continued building events that connected Houston leaders, athletes, and supporters directly to its mission— including 2012's A Gathering of Champions, which raised $130,000.
Tad Brown | 2014 Bringing the Team Together Then a senior Houston Rockets executive, Tad brought a career built around sports, entertainment, community outreach, and bringing people together. His Houston Children's Charity presidency coincided with an era of major Gala visibility and strong Houston community connections.
Penny Loyd | 2015–2017 A Heart for Giving Penny's commitment extends far beyond Houston Children's Charity. She and her husband established The Loyd Charitable Foundation in 2009, supporting organizations in Houston and around the world. Her own career has ranged from banking and technology to insurance and the Foreign Service—and she continues serving Houston Children's Charity today as Secretary.
Laura S. Ward | 2018–Present Carrying the Promise Forward Laura's connection to HCC reaches all the way back to its founding. Today, as President & CEO, she leads an organization that reports serving more than 300 agencies and over 8 million children since 1996—with the same ambition that has defined HCC from the beginning: leave no legitimate request for assistance unanswered. ...
YESTERDAY, Houston Children’s Charity served 38 FAMILIES & 105 CHILDREN through our HCC Closet!
THANK YOU to our 7 DONORS and 2 VOLUNTEERS for helping make today possible. Your generosity continues to make a difference for Houston’s children and families! 💛
What began in 2005 serving just one school district has grown into a regional effort spanning five counties, helping more than 50,000 children start school with the backpacks and supplies they need to succeed.
For nearly two decades, volunteers, sponsors, educators, and community partners—including The Rod Ryan Show—have come together to make sure thousands of children begin the school year with confidence instead of worry.
Because a backpack is more than school supplies.
It’s confidence. It’s opportunity. It’s Houston taking care of its own.
From one school district... to more than 50,000 children.
From all of us at Houston Children’s Charity, we wish good luck to every student, teacher, and family heading back to school this year. Here’s to a great school year—and thank you, Houston, for helping make it possible for thousands of children to start strong.
This 🌟 MILESTONE 🌟 Gala will honor Gary Petersen, one of Houston’s most beloved philanthropists and a dedicated supporter of our mission for Houston’s underserved children. 💛