A Celebration of Reading
A Celebration of Reading is our signature fundraiser. The unique program features bestselling authors who share their stories. Proceeds from the event fund literacy programs through the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Mrs. Bush personally created the event to shine the light on the importance of literacy and to celebrate the authors who educate, enrich, inspire, enthrall, entertain, and transform us through their books. The event has become one of Houston’s largest and beloved charity events, raising funds to provide vital literacy programs for children and adults through the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.
Individual tickets will go on sale February 11.
2026 Author Lineup
Special Music Performance by
Yolanda Adams
Yolanda Adams is a Grammy Award–winning gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and radio host, widely recognized as the “Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music.” Over her extraordinary career, she has earned four Grammy Awards, six NAACP Image Awards, four Dove Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, and 16 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, along with induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. With more than 10 million albums sold worldwide, Adams has brought gospel music into the mainstream while uplifting audiences with her powerful voice and message of faith, hope, and perseverance. A proud Houston native, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and author of “Points of Power: Discover a Spirit-Filled Life of Joy and Purpose,” she continues to inspire across generations as one of the most influential and celebrated artists of our time.
Leon Carroll, Jr.
Leon Carroll, Jr. is an author, veteran, and law enforcement professional whose career spans decades. A commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, he attained the rank of Major before beginning a 20-year career as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). His assignments included service as a Special Agent Afloat aboard the USS Ranger (CV-61) and as Special Agent in Charge of NCIS offices in the Republic of Panama and the Pacific Northwest.
After retiring, Carroll served as technical advisor for the hit television series NCIS for more than 20 seasons. He is the co-author, with Mark Harmon, of the bestselling Ghosts series, with Ghosts of Sicily: The True Story of the Naval Intelligence Agents Who Courted the Mob to Fight Nazis in America and the Battlefields of Italy set to release on April 14.
Admiral William H. McRaven
Admiral William H. McRaven, USN (Ret.), is a distinguished military leader, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most respected voices on service and leadership in America. A retired four-star admiral, McRaven served nearly four decades as a Navy SEAL, commanding U.S. Special Operations Command and overseeing counterterrorism operations worldwide. He is widely credited for his strategic leadership in missions critical to national security.
Following his military career, McRaven served as Chancellor of The University of Texas System and has become a celebrated author whose works inspire readers across generations. His bestselling books include Make Your Bed, Sea Stories, and The Hero Code, each offering timeless lessons on resilience, courage, and character. On April 21, 2026, he will release his newest book, Duty, Honor, Country & Life: A Tribute to the American Spirit, a reflection on the values that strengthen our nation and the people who embody them.
Rob Riggle
Rob Riggle is an Emmy Award winning actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, podcaster and decorated veteran who has been a staple in comedic films and television for more than 20 years. Known for his memorable characters in comedy hits like “The Hangover,” “Step Brothers,” and “Night School” as well as his stints on “Saturday Night Live” and as a correspondent on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” Riggle has had numerous television and big screen appearances.
As he broke into comedy, Riggle was still on active duty with the United States Marine Corps, which he initially joined at the age of 19. After more than two decades of service, Lieutenant Colonel Riggle retired from the Marine Corps Reserve, having earned more than 22 medals and ribbons.
Riggle’s book, Grit, Spit, and Never Quit: A Marine’s Guide to Comedy and Life, is a frank, funny and inspirational memoir about how his service in the US Marines prepared him for life and his pursuit as a comedian.
2026 Title Sponsor Recognition
We also wish to give special thanks to Phillips 66 for serving as Title Sponsor of A Celebration of Reading for the 11th year in a row. Their incredible commitment has spanned over a decade of difference-making for which we are deeply grateful.
A Celebration of Reading Community Impact
28M+
Dollars Raised Since 2013
16,500+
Attendees Since 2013
28,000+
Households Watched Televised Program in 2025
Watch the 2025 A Celebration of Reading show featuring Nate Bargatze, H.W. Brands, Katherine Center, Kelsey Grammer, and Victoria Christopher Murray.
2026 Celebration of Reading Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
ConocoPhillips
Gail & Greg Garland
John P. McGovern Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Enbridge
ExxonMobil
H-E-B
Jakel/Duncan/Frishman/Ulrich & Trevino
Laurie & Mark Lashier
Silver Sponsors
Comcast - Xfinity
The Consulate General of the State of Qatar
Patricia & Sig Cornelius
Terri & Greg Ebel
HCA Houston Healthcare
The Hobby Center Foundation
Satya & Naveen Pandrangi
Ruth J. Simmons
Stephanie & Frank Tsuru
Bronze Sponsors
Daren Austin
Ginger Blanton & Regina Rogers
Toni Beck & Bill Yardley
Chevron Phillips Chemical
Cathy & Joe Cleary
Corient
Crown Castle
Deloitte
Julie Dill
Lesha & Tom Elsenbrook
EOG Resources
Ernst & Young
Sidney Faust/Betty & John Hrncir
Freeport LNG
Susan & Earl Hesterberg
Amy & Gentry Lee
Light Charitable Trust
Elizabeth & Drayton McLane
Memorial Hermann
John L. Nau, III
Beverly & Jim Postl
Barbie & Steve Prusak
Quanta
Stavis Wealth Transfer Solutions
Strake Foundation
Talos Energy
John Tobola & Dolores Cavatore
Ward & Ames Special Events
Williams
Pearl Sponsors
Whitney & Matt Anderson
Gina & Joe Carroll
Ben & Ann Clayton
Rosanette Cullen
Jay & Todd Fairley
Kathy & Marty Goosen
Maureen Higdon
Anne McClellan
Christine & Kevin Mitchell
Marsha Montemayor
Nathalie & Charles Roff
Eric Romero
Susan & Bryan Vincent
Legacy Sponsors
Boardwalk Pipelines / Stanley C. Horton
Martha & Mark Carnes
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Jess & Cary Dunham
The Evans & Portela Family
Julie & Ron Finck
Lily & Charles Foster/Pat & David Jones
Lisa & Ray Garcia
Joanie & Don Haley
Legacy Community Health
Julie & Keith Little
Mary Lynn Marks
Sally & Charles Neblett
Mary Ellen & Scott Prochazka
Y. Ping Sun & David Lebron
Tarantino Properties
University of Houston - ACES Institute
Karla & Greg Vesey
What people are saying…
“It has been an honor and a privilege to collaborate with the Bush family for the past 29 years to produce A Celebration of Reading in Houston and its first 10 years in Dallas and D.C. We have witnessed firsthand extraordinarily talented authors and entertainers give freely to make the event spectacular, and applaud the unwavering commitment of the Foundation for enforcing Barbara Bush’s mission of literacy for all.”
— Danny Ward & Nancy Ames, Founders - Ward & Ames Special Events
“Phillips 66 has been proud to serve as title sponsor of A Celebration of Reading for the past eight years – a unique, inspiring charity event that highlights the important cause of literacy. We always look forward to the uplifting celebration and its outstanding lineup of bestselling authors.”
— Mark Lashier, President and CEO of Phillips 66
A Celebration of Reading Over the Years
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Power of Literacy Luncheon
The 10th Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon occurred on Friday, October 24, 2025, at The Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston, featuring iconic actor and New York Times bestselling author, Tom Selleck as featured speaker.
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Storybook Gala
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's annual Storybook Gala hosted by the Young Professionals Group, was held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Union Station in Daikin Park. The evening unfolded as an unforgettable experience inspired by the classic romance of Romeo and Juliet.