Heart of Houston So Many People to Help, So Little Time…
by Warner Roberts
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HTEXAS.COM
families by leveling the playing field in education, sports and life. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve started the Jose Altuve Foundation to raise money to support the Sunshine Kids, an organization that benefits kids with cancer. Astros pitcher Lance McCullers created The Lance McCullers, Jr. Foundation to support pet shelters in Houston. Astros shortstop Carlos Correa works with the Salvation Army on programs to aid the homeless. He also joined Houston Children’s Charity in its “Better Night’s Sleep” program to provide beds for underprivileged children. The celebrated Houston Astros outfielder, George Springer, has experienced a lifelong stutter and now provides treatment and confidence to children with speech development difficulties. He is a role model and champion for young people who stutter and is a spokesperson for The Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY). He has established the George Springer Kids Fund to send children from families-inneed to Camp SAY. Alex Bregman’s foundation, AB for Autism, has a mission to provide support for children with autism and down syndrome. The Houston Astros third baseman’s organization provides the latest in technology and resources to those effected by autism. Almost everyone is aware of how J. J. Watt, through his Justin. J. Watt Foundation, raised a remarkable $37 million dollars for Hurricane Harvey relief. But the Houston Texans player has now raised $5 million with his annual baseball game for after school athletics opportunities for middle school aged kids. His philanthropy has become
almost as notable as his football accomplishments. There are so many other professional athletes doing great things in our city that it would be impossible to name them all here. However, a big cheer for all who are following their hearts and doing so much for so many. Talk about an exciting event: The Ladies for Literacy Guild will present the Power of Literacy Luncheon on Friday, October 25, starring Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton as featured speakers. Julie is launching her new book, Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years” and Houston is the first stop and only stop in the south on her worldwide book tour. It should be a smash hit! Dave Ward, the oh-so-popular newsman, is enjoying much success with his new book, Good Evening, Friends: A Broadcaster Shares His Life. I’ve had the privilege and fun of knowing David, as I’ve always called him, for many years. I’ve asked him to do so many things … to sing with me and others for multiple shows … to sing or perform with Ron Stone ... to dress as a female on occasion ... to appear on my television show ... and, of course, to emcee a myriad of charitable events. He has always been a “yes” man, and has always been willing to lend his time and talent for a good cause. He is such a good man and, in my eyes, he has always been “Mr. Houston.” H Have you done something good for somebody today?
PRESIDENT BUSH PHOTO BY DAVID SHUTTS; BARBARA BUSH PHOTO BY MICHELLE WATSON
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E MAY KNOW what all the professional athletes do on the court or on the field, but do we really know their hearts? Take a look at what they do out of uniform: Clint Capela, center for the Houston Rockets, has recently started CC 15 Foundation “to help provide low-income, single-parent families with the same opportunities that are available to dual-parent, middle and upper class families.” He says this is his mission, because he grew up in foster care. Shortly after Clint was born, his father left the family including his mother and two older brothers. He moved from group home to group home for seven years, and his goal now is to help kids that grew up like he did. Houston Astros star pitcher, Justin Verlander, first started his foundation in Detroit when he played baseball for the Tigers organization. The event was called 1,000 Christmas Salutes and families were invited to The War Memorial for a meal, to watch a movie and see Santa Claus. Now holding a similar event each year in Houston, nearly 1,000 military and veteran families have been invited to Dave & Buster’s to have breakfast, photos with Santa, craft stations, free games and bowling. You might find James Hardin, superstar Houston Rocket, out with his mother, Monja Willis, shopping at the Super Target for multiple Houston families at Christmas time. Chris Paul of the Houston Rockets has had the Chris Paul Family Foundation for many years. The organization strives to positively impact individuals and