Houston Children’s Charity (HCC) celebrated its 20^th anniversary with a luncheon to honor those who have made it possible for HCC to care for more than a 1.5 million children and assist more than 300 agencies for the past two decades. The Hyatt Regency in Downtown Houston hosted HCC and its more than 500 guests, led by Mistress of Ceremonies, Shelby Hodge.

View photos of the spectacular event here. 

Mayor Sylvester Turner presented a proclamation to Chairman of the Board, Tilman J. Fertitta, Executive Director, Laura Ward, and President, Penny Loyd. “The City of Houston salutes and commends Houston Children’s Charity on this momentous and very special occasion and extends its best wishes and congratulations on this historic achievement. And therefore Laura, I, Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the city of Houston, hereby proclaim  September 23, 2016 as Houston Children’s Charity Day in the city of Houston.”

 

Dr. David Poplack, Director of Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Centers, was presented with a $1 million check toward the Houston Children’s Charity Family Emergency Fund at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. “Houston Children’s Charity embodies the spirit of Houston, without question. They help Texas Children’s Hospital and our young cancer patients, many of whom literally don’t have running water or electricity in their homes, and who frankly couldn’t receive treatment if not for the Houston Children’s Charity Emergency Fund,” said Poplack.

 

Award recipients include:

• Paige & Tilman J. Fertitta – Landry’s Inc. “Corporate Commitment” Award
• Dave Ward – ABC 13, “The Voice of the Children” Award
• Sue & Lester Smith – “Lifetime of Giving” Award
• John L. Nau, III – Silver Eagle Distributors, LP, “Spirit of Service” Award
• Trini Mendenhall, “Heart of Houston” Award
• Dancie Ware – Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations, “Media Champion” Award
• Maria Moncada Alaoui & Tommy Kuranoff – BMW of West Houston & Momentum BMW Southwest, “Guardian Angels” Award
• Carlos Correa – Houston Astros, “Shining Star” Award
• Tom Netting – Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown, “Dedicated Support” Award

 

“Carlos truly is our shining star. He stepped up to the plate, he came to Houston, embraced our city, and he has an unbelievable amount of support for this charity. With his initiative, Restless for the Cause, he has set an example for all other athletes in Houston to emulate. Carlos, we can’t thank you enough for your hard work with our “A Better Night’s Sleep” program,” said Tilman J. Fertitta.

“It’s an honor for me and my family that Houston Children’s Charity is presenting me with the “Shining Star” Award. Ever since I came to Houston, I have felt the warmth of its people, but I’ve also seen the difficulties some of them endure. I knew I had to roll up my sleeves and take action. Once I learned about this charity I was very impressed with its core principles, goals, and programs. HCC takes care of many needs for children but the one that I felt was most special and where my work could help the largest amount children was A Better Night’s Sleep,” said Correa.

“I want to thank both Tilman and Paige’s commitment, dedication and unconditional love for our children. I don’t think there’s ever been a time where we’ve asked Paige for something that wasn’t met with an enthusiastic, ‘OK!’ And I’ve never called Tilman’s office where he wasn’t there to provide resource after resource. No organization flies to where we have flown, without angels like Paige and Tilman Fertitta, said Laura Ward.”