Curated Texan
Holdsworth Center Hosts Event At The Corinthian And Honors Dr. Ruth Simmons
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Priscilla Dickson
THE SCENE: The Corinthian in Houston was the setting for the inaugural “Champions of Hope” gala benefiting The Holdsworth Center. The night attracted several hundred of the city’s most prominent education leaders, sociables, and philanthropists in a night was a celebration that featured great company, touching tributes, and celebrated the accomplishments of its founding board chair.
THE VIBE: The cocktail-attired crowd featured a mix of classic flair along with bold colors in honor of the warm spring night in Space City. Guests ascended the legendary staircase at The Corinthian for cocktail hour, but not before posing for photos on a floral step and repeat to commemorate the evening. The festivities continued as guests mingled and brimmed with anticipation for the night ahead.
Partygoers then took to their seats for the main program. As patrons dined on their multi-course meals, emcee Wallace Jefferson kept the evening flowing at a fun, brisk pace. During the program, Holdsworth Center founding Board Chair Dr. Ruth Simmons was honored for her steadfast leadership and rapid growth of the organization that impacts 1,500 community leaders in 75 school districts. The evening was capped off with a keynote address from former United States Defense Secretary and current Holdsworth Center Board Chair Robert Gates.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Dr. Robert & Becky Gates, Rob Kaplan and Ronel Golden, Wallace and Renee Knake Jefferson, Jim and Beverly Postl, Ann and Karl Stern and Tammy and Memo Treviño, with Charles Butt serving as honorary chair, raised funds for The Holdsworth Center. Since its founding in 2017 by H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt, the organization provides programs and services to develop strong leaders for Texas public schools.
