Making Progress - Assisting One Child At A Time
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!
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A big thank you to Scott Evans and The Social Book for showcasing Houston Children’s Charity’s 30th Anniversary “Still Shining” Gala. ✨ We’re still celebrating this incredible milestone and the generosity that made it possible!
- A Record-Breaking Night: $13.2 million raised to advance our mission!
- A Life-Changing Gift: An extraordinary commitment of 158 wheelchair-accessible vans to provide mobility, independence, and opportunity for children with disabilities.
- A Milestone for Our Mission: Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced the statewide expansion of the Chariots for Children van program, extending its reach to even more families across Texas.
- A Star-Studded Celebration: An unforgettable performance by country music superstar Blake Shelton and a surprise appearance by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
Thank you Scott! We are grateful for your support. Read full story here: thesocialbook.com/houston-childrens-charitys-13-2-million-night/
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
Houston Children’s Charity’s $13.2 Million Drives Dreams
thesocialbook.com
Houston Children’s Charity marked its 30th anniversary with a Porsche, a country superstar, $13.2 million and 158 wheelchair-accessible vans.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
HELP MAKE THE HOLIDAYS MAGICAL FOR HOUSTON’S CHILDREN! 🎄
Houston Children’s Charity is calling on our community to help bring holiday joy to thousands of underserved children and families across Greater Houston through our Annual Toy Distribution, in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots!
✨ There are TWO ways to participate:
- Become a Toy Drop-Off Site: Register through Toys for Tots to receive an official collection box. For locations inside the 610 Loop, Marines may be able to schedule a pickup.
- Host Your Own Toy Drive: Collect toys at your business or organization and deliver your donations to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall D, during the following times:
📅 December 14–18 | 9 AM–4 PM
📅 December 19 | 9 AM–12 PM
❤️ Every gift makes a difference! Please ensure all donated toys are brand new, unwrapped, and suitable for children ages 0–18. We especially encourage donations for teenagers, as gifts for this age group are often in short supply.
Together, we can make the holidays brighter for children and families who need it most. Thank you for helping us spread joy, create lasting memories, and remind every child that they are loved!
No child should be left behind.
#HoustonChildrensCharity #ToysForTots #AnnualToyDistribution #HolidayGiving #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
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Raising an astonishing $13.2 million, including securing funding for 158 wheelchair accessible vans, this year's Houston Children's Charity 30th Anniversary 'Still Shining' Gala was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to ensure no child is left behind.
Saturday, October 17 was filled with many shining moments. We'd like to thank Rob Giardinelli and Curated Texan for this incredible feature that helps us shine a light on the people, purpose, and generosity behind this extraordinary evening.
We invite you to take a moment to read the full story here: curatedtexan.com/2026/10/after-30-successful-years-the-annual-houston-childrens-charity-30th-annu...
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
curatedtexan.com
The Post Oak Hotel in Houston was the setting for Texas’ most exhilarating, fun, and financially successful fundraising night of the year. A sold-out crowd of 800 packed the ballroom at Texas’ hot...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
BE PART OF THE HOLIDAY MAGIC! ✨
The season of giving is here, and Houston Children’s Charity needs YOU! 💙 We’re looking for volunteer groups to join us for our Annual Toy Distribution, December 14–19, to help bring holiday cheer to children and families throughout Greater Houston.
Gather your team, spread some joy, and make a meaningful difference in a child’s life this holiday season! 🎄
📅 December 14–19
📧 Ready to make a difference? Email Daniel at daniel@houstonchildrenscharity.org to get involved!
#HoustonChildrensCharity #HolidayMagic #VolunteerHouston #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
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A heartfelt thank you to Shelby Hodge and PaperCity Houston for beautifully capturing Houston Children’s Charity 30th Anniversary “Still Shining” Gala. As a longtime supporter of our mission, Shelby’s continued support means so much to our organization, and it was wonderful to have her with us on Saturday for this milestone celebration.
As we continue to reflect on a night we will never forget, here are just a few of the evening’s unforgettable highlights:
✨ A Record-Breaking Night: $13.2 million raised
🚐 A Life-Changing Gift: An extraordinary commitment of 158 wheelchair-accessible vans to help provide mobility, independence, and opportunity for children with disabilities.
💛 A Milestone for Our Mission: Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced the statewide expansion of the Chariots for Children van program, extending its reach to even more families across Texas.
⭐ A Star-Studded Celebration: Unforgettable entertainment from country music superstar Blake Shelton and a surprise appearance by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
Thank you, Shelby, for helping share the heart, generosity, and giving spirit behind this remarkable evening.
Read the full story here: www.papercitymag.com/society/houston-childrens-charity-raises-record-132-million-wheelchair-vans-...
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
www.papercitymag.com
Thanks to a clique of very wealthy, very generous Very Important People, Houston Children's Charity 30th anniversary gala soared to a remarkable $13.21 CommentsComment on Facebook
Some hearts give in ways that change lives forever.
At Houston Children’s Charity 30th Anniversary “Still Shining” Gala this past Saturday, we proudly honored philanthropist Gary R. Petersen for his extraordinary generosity and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
Through his incredible support of wheelchair-accessible vans, Gary helps provide children with greater independence, mobility, and opportunities to thrive. In a deeply moving moment, he received a standing ovation as President & CEO Laura Ward presented him with a commemorative vase in recognition of his remarkable impact.
As the evening’s Entertainment Underwriter, Gary also helped make Blake Shelton’s unforgettable performance possible!
Thank you Gary! Your impact is truly immeasurable. 💙
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
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A NIGHT FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS 🌟
Our community came together in an extraordinary way to further our mission of improving the quality of life for Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children.
Houston Children’s Charity 30th Anniversary ‘Still Shining’ Gala this past Saturday, October 17 was filled with unforgettable moments, each reflecting the incredible generosity and heart of our Houston community.
Tonight we want to take a moment to thank every donor, sponsor, underwriter and volunteer who helped us achieve a historic fundraising milestone: $13.2 MILLION RAISED, including a record-setting donation of 158 wheelchair-accessible vans! ✨
From the bottom of our hearts - THANK YOU. Thank you for believing in our mission, and helping us change the lives of children in Houston and now Central Texas too!
Stay tuned for more highlights!
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
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A showstopping Porsche. An unforgettable experience. An extraordinary impact.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to Gala Title Sponsors Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston of Sonic Automotive for generously donating the incredible Luxury in the Fast Lane package to Houston Children’s Charity 30th Anniversary “Still Shining” Gala live auction!
Featuring a brand-new Porsche 911 Carrera, an exclusive getaway at Nobu Hotel, an instructor-led driving experience at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, and exquisite NINI Jewels 911 cufflinks, this one-of-a-kind package captured the excitement of the evening and sold for an incredible $240,000 to winning bidder Trini Mendenhall-Royalty!
Because of you, the light keeps shining.
More to come from our historic event!
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
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🌟 BIG MOMENTS. BIGGER IMPACT.
What an unforgettable night at Houston Children’s Charity 30th Anniversary “Still Shining” Gala! ✨ From milestone celebrations to celebrity surprises, these moments capture the heart of an evening dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, abused, and disabled children across Greater Houston.
• Drumroll please…. Together, HOUSTON raised an unbelievable $13.2 MILLION, including 158 wheelchair accessible vans - the BIGGEST NIGHT in Houston Children’s Charity history (and donations are still coming!)
• Reflecting on 30 years of impact and reaffirming the promise at the heart of everything we do: NO CHILD SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND.
• Honoring philanthropist Gary R. Petersen for his longstanding generosity and commitment to children with disabilities and their families.
• Welcoming Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott for the special announcement of our van program expansion across Texas.
• Celebrating 18 years of partnership with our incredible Title Sponsors, Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston, and so many other underwriter supporters.
• Unveiling the Dave Ward Tribute Van, honoring Dave Ward’s enduring legacy of service and compassion.
• A thrilling live auction with celebrity surprise by 50 Cent
These moments are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together for a greater purpose.
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
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THE CELEBRATION IS HERE!
The lights are shining, our guests are arriving, and the excitement is in the air! Tonight, we gather for Houston Children’s Charity 30th Anniversary “Still Shining” Gala to celebrate 30 years of answering the call for Houston’s most vulnerable children and families.
Behind every celebration is a mission: improving the quality of life for Greater Houston’s most vulnerable children. Thank you all for being with us!
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
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💛 IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Tonight we celebrate 30 years of changing lives and creating brighter futures for the children and families we serve.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers who have given their time, energy, and hearts to bring this special evening to life. Volunteerism is at the heart of our mission, and every helping hand is a reminder that when a community comes together, extraordinary things happen for children who need it most.
Special thanks again to our 30th Anniversary Gala Title Sponsors, Porsche River Oaks | A Sonic Automotive Company and Porsche West Houston | A Sonic Automotive Company, for their extraordinary support in making this milestone celebration possible.
Our hearts are full... see you soon!
#houstonchildrenscharity #30thAnniversaryGala #ourkidsareeverybodyskids
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✨ TODAY IS THE BIG DAY! ✨
After months of planning and preparation, the day has finally arrived! Our team is putting the finishing touches on Houston Children’s Charity’s 30th Anniversary “Still Shining” Gala, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate 30 years of transforming lives and creating brighter futures for the children and families we serve.
Every detail represents the generosity, dedication, and compassion of a community that believes every child deserves the opportunity to shine.
We can’t wait to see you!
Special thanks again to our sponsors and underwriters:
Title Sponsors - Porsche River Oaks | A Sonic Automotive Company & Porsche West Houston | A Sonic Automotive Company
&
Underwriters:
• Entertainment Underwriter - Gary R. Petersen
• Brilliant Onyx - ExxonMobil, Petersen Family Foundation, The Fant Foundation
• Radiant Gold - The Tilman Fertitta Family, Erin & Mo Aziz
• Electric Orange - Burson Family Foundation
• Dazzling Pink - Nichole and Benny Agosto, Jr., Dee Dee & Tommy Fibich/ Grant Guthrie / David & Yarnia Huntington / Michael Hoctor, GHOST Foundation, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Sue Smith & Jim Eberle, Sterling-Turner Foundation, Hallie & Michael Vanderhider, Wells Fargo, Robin Young & Company/Kristina & Paul Somerville/Associated Pipe Line Contractors, Inc.
…. and many others!
#HoustonChildrensCharity #30thAnniversaryGala #OurKidsAreEverybodysKids
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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
