Rob Giardinelli
Event Features Conversation With New York Times Best-Selling Author And Actor Kimberly Williams-Paisley
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Daniel Ortiz and Jacob Power
and Sandra Shenkir
and Lesha Elsenbrook
THE SCENE: The Post Oak Hotel in Houston was the setting for one of Space City’s most anticipated, and well-attended luncheons of the year. Over 650 book lovers, community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the nineth annual “Power of Literacy” luncheon. Hosted by The Ladies for Literacy Guild and benefiting the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, the occasion offered a “Building Brighter Futures” theme in an afternoon that brought great company and conversation about books, life, and so much more.
THE VIBE: The cocktail-chic crowd took the theme as an opportunity to sport bright colors, prints, and pastels, which created a bright, welcoming environment for all who attended. The festivities started with a VIP meet and greet with guest speaker, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, after which revelers joined others in The Post Oak Ballroom Foyer for a welcome reception.
During the welcome reception, guests had the opportunity to pose for images in front of a large-scale copy of Williams-Paisley’s latest book Where the Light Gets In before taking the opportunity to mingle with others in anticipation of the fun ahead. Attendees then made their way to The Post Oak Ballroom for the afternoon’s main program.
and Trish Morille
More than a few jaws dropped as Richard Flowers and The Events Company transformed the ballroom into a serene, floral oasis with green linens perfectly complementing the bright yellow, red, and purple florals on each table donated by HEB. As guests took their seats and began dining on their meals, they were treated to welcome remarks by KPRC 2’s Emmy-Award-winning reporter Keith Garvin.
The program was capped off with a revealing conversation with Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Moderated by Houston Public Media Executive Producer and Host, Ernie Manouse, Williams-Paisley shared anecdotes from her books as well as about her long-time friendship with the late First Lady. The program concluded with the showing of the music video I’m Gonna Miss Her by Williams-Paisley’s husband and country music superstar Brad Paisley which was produced at the beginning of their relationship in the early 2000’s.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2024 Power of Literacy Luncheon, co-chaired by Diane Gendel and Mehrnaz Gill, raised over $600,000 for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards providing innovative childhood literacy programs as well as expanding access to services and resources for traditionally under served and marginalized communities. Over the past nine years, the event has raised nearly $4.5 million for these programs.
