Lance Avery Morgan
Fun, Frolic and Fundraising Are The Key Goals To Be Met
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Cody Duty
As sunlight streamed through the grand windows of the Children’s Museum of Houston, Devorah Krieger and Ashley Sloan moved with the effortless energy of women who know how to turn a good idea into a spectacular event. As the dynamic duo co-chairs of the museum’s much-anticipated Friends & Family Luncheon on March 6, they are set to bring together Houston’s philanthropists, tastemakers, and education champions for an afternoon that promises both elegance and impact. With Devorah’s meticulous attention to detail and Ashley’s flair for the unexpected, guests can expect an experience where curiosity meets couture, and giving back is as delightful as discovery.
At the heart of it all is the Children’s Museum of Houston itself—a world of wonder dedicated to igniting young minds through innovative exhibits, interactive learning experiences, and dynamic programs that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and exploration. As one of the nation’s premier children’s museums, it provides a playground of possibility for children of all backgrounds, offering hands-on STEM activities, literacy initiatives, and outreach programs that ensure education is both engaging and accessible. With Devorah and Ashley at the helm of this year’s luncheon, every ticket purchased, and every dollar raised will help further the museum’s mission, ensuring that the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers have the tools they need to thrive.
This event isn’t just another date on Houston’s social calendar—it’s a celebration of imagination, a tribute to the power of play, and a testament to the unstoppable spirit of those who believe that education should be as exciting as it is essential. With Devorah and Ashley helming the luncheon, it will be an event to remember.
What initially attracted you to support the 2025 Children’s Museum Luncheon, and why is it meaningful to you?
Devorah Krieger: Ashley and I co-chaired the 2021 CMH Gala together, and from working with the most passionate people at CMH to reaching out to friends for support, planning the décor, and working through all the details, we had the absolute best time. We’ve been talking about doing this again ever since. The Children’s Museum is such a gift to Houston families, and we’re honored to support it.
Ashley Sloan: After teaming up for The Great Gatsby Gala, we started co-hosting a table at the CMH Luncheon every year and always talked about taking on the role of co-chairs. The CMH Luncheon is one of my absolute favorite events—it’s a day filled with heart, connection, and an incredible cause. So, when the opportunity to co-host together came up, we were ready and full of ideas.
What inspired the creation of the luncheon’s theme, Balancing It All?
Ashley Sloan: I’m a senior vice president in wealth management, but also a mother of four—so balancing it all is just… life. Every mom I know is juggling a hundred things at once, and some days feel smoother than others. We talk about this all the time—how we’re all just figuring it out as we go.
Devorah Krieger: I run Social Life magazine, serve as class mom, and sit on two boards… all while raising my son. I can confirm—no one is actually balancing it all. We’re all just hoping our emails get answered before bedtime! But we show up, we do our best, and we support other moms in the process. I’m so grateful to have friends who root for me, and I root for them right back. That kind of support makes all the difference.
Can you share a memorable moment from a past Children’s Museum event in which you’ve been involved?
Devorah Krieger: The CMH gala we co-chaired will forever be a highlight. There’s something truly magical about seeing a room full of people come together—not just to raise money, but to genuinely believe in a cause. But my favorite moments always come after the event, when you see the kids enjoying the museum, knowing that we played even a small role in making that possible.
Ashley Sloan: That night was so special. Seeing all our friends come out to support us, then dancing the night away together—it was just the best. As moms, we have to make time for celebration, and seeing everyone enjoy themselves while supporting an institution that means so much to Houston? That’s a memory I’ll always cherish.
As co-chairs, what unique strengths or skills do each of you bring to the organization of this luncheon?
Devorah Krieger: Ashley is the definition of grace under pressure. She’s warm and welcoming and keeps everything running like a well-oiled machine. Every time I see her, I ask—”How do you do it? How do you have four kids and still have date night every week?” She really does know how to balance it all, which makes this luncheon especially perfect for her.
Ashley Sloan: Devorah has impeccable vision. She brings elegance, creativity, and—let’s be honest—flawless taste to everything she does. And she has this amazing ability to make people want to be part of something bigger. I’ve always admired her leadership and love working together.
How has your background or career influenced your approach to organizing charitable events like this one?
Devorah Krieger Sloan: In publishing, I’ve learned that storytelling is everything. If people feel a real connection to a cause, they don’t just donate—they invest in it. That’s what I try to bring to these events.
Ashley Sloan: In wealth management, I see how much people want to give back but sometimes don’t know where to start. I love helping create those opportunities—whether it’s for my clients, my friends, or my community.
What do you hope attendees will take away from participating in this year’s luncheon?
Devorah Krieger: That no one has it all figured out—but we’re in this together, and that’s what really matters.
Ashley Sloan: That even the smallest efforts can create big change.
What challenges have you faced while preparing for this event, and how have you overcome them as a team?
Devorah Krieger: Time. Always time. Between work, kids, and life, we’re basically professional jugglers. But having a great partner makes all the difference.
Ashley Sloan: Scheduling has definitely been the biggest challenge, but we’ve just laughed our way through it.
Dr. Amy Shah is the speaker for the event. Share with us what insight she may offer to busy parents.
Devorah Krieger: She understands the science behind burnout, which is something every parent needs to hear. She shares so much insight on nutrition, anxiety, support, and ways to be your best self. I cannot wait to hear her speak.
Ashley Sloan: She gives practical strategies—not just more things to add to our never-ending to-do lists. I’m really looking forward to it.
Beyond fundraising, how do you see an event like this impacting the organization?
Devorah Krieger: When you bring in a speaker as insightful as Dr. Amy Shah, it’s more than just an event—it’s meaningful. Everyone will leave feeling empowered and inspired. And when you lift others up, they lift you up in return.
Ashley Sloan: It also raises awareness about everything the museum does beyond the exhibits. We’ll be sharing more about that during the program.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in a charitable event like the Houston Children’s Museum for the first time?
Devorah Krieger: Say yes. Even if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, just start. You’ll figure it out along the way.
Ashley Sloan: Just jump in. There’s always a place for you.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of the Children’s Museum of Houston?
Devorah Krieger: More access, more programs, and more unforgettable childhood memories.
Ashley Sloan: That every child in Houston gets to experience its magic.
How I made my first dollar…
Devorah Krieger: Babysitting. I’ve always wanted to be a mom and had so much fun babysitting growing up.
Ashley Sloan: I also babysat. It definitely helped prepare me for the future.
First music I bought was…
Devorah Krieger: Josephine Baker, my grandmother’s favorite singer.
Ashley Sloan: Shania Twain, and I stand by that choice.
Last thing I binge/marathon watched…
Devorah Krieger: The OA—it’s brilliant and unforgettable. A true work of art.
Ashley Sloan: Sweet Magnolias—comfort TV at its finest.
My real-life hero is…
Devorah Krieger: My grandmother—she was endlessly wise and absolutely magical. She’s the force behind me and my mother. She taught us grit, strength, and kindness.
Ashley Sloan: My mom—she is the heart of our family and the best grandmother to my kids.
If I lived in a foreign city, it would be…
Devorah Krieger: Paris, in a charming apartment with a balcony.
Ashley Sloan: Florence—because…pasta.
What everyone should try in their lifetime is…
Devorah Krieger: Line dancing in Texas. I love Texas. The warmth, the food, the people—it’s comfort in every way.
Ashley Sloan: A solo trip to a country where you don’t speak the language.
My motto is…
Devorah Krieger: “Faith, family, and kindness first.”
Ashley Sloan: “Fortune favors the bold.”
Book that left a lasting impression on me…
Devorah Krieger: The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
Ashley Sloan: The Great Gatsby.
My perfect day would end…
Devorah Krieger: Watching the sunset at my ranch, my son running around, book in hand.
Ashley Sloan: In my backyard with my husband and kids, soaking in the moment.
The title of my autobiography would be…
Devorah Krieger: Grace, Grit, and a Whole Lot of Heart.
Ashley Sloan: The Art of Doing Too Much and Loving Every Second.
