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A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS!
CHECK OUT SCENES FROM 2025 BINGO!
2025 Books Between Kids Celebrates a Record-Breaking Morning
On the morning of April 25, 2025, the Briar Club in Houston’s elegant River Oaks District was abuzz with color, laughter, and purpose. It was the 5th Annual Breakfast & Bingo, hosted by the nonprofit Books Between Kids—and this year, it was a sellout!
The dress code was simple: bright. And guests delivered—decked out in vibrant dresses, rainbow wigs, bold accessories, and big smiles, all in support of a cause that’s putting books directly into the hands of Houston’s children.
The festive morning raised over $120,000 and collected more than 400 books to further Books Between Kids’ mission: helping economically disadvantaged children build their very own home libraries.
Guests were welcomed into a lively pre-event raffle preview, showcasing an impressive collection of donated baskets. Creative offerings ranged from a night at an Astros game to professional dog training and home organization services. Raffle tickets were hot items – going for $10 each or $50 for a pack of six.
After the crowd settled into the ballroom, they enjoyed a savory buffet breakfast of sausage, bacon, eggs, and pastries—fuel for the bingo rounds to come. The space, transformed by the event committee led by co-founder Amy Barnes, was nothing short of dazzling. Bright satin table runners intersected across circular tables topped with whimsical bubble centerpieces overflowing with tulips, lilies, roses, and hydrangeas—generously donated by H-E-B. Stacks of brightly colored books dotted the room, alongside framed photos of smiling children who have benefited from the organization’s programs.
The Mimosa Bar, a guest favorite, was once again sponsored by Laura Winston of Martha Turner/Sotheby’s International Realty—back for her second year.
The morning’s program was emceed by the dynamic Sara Shouhayib Alawar of Capital Emcee, a supporter of the organization. She shared her own connection to Books Between Kids, having volunteered at a Book Celebration and seen firsthand the joy a book can bring to a child.
Sara was joined onstage by Kayla Hand (Executive Director), Amy Barnes (Co-Founder and Event Chair) and Sarah Cooper (Board President). The crowd erupted as exciting news was shared: Books Between Kids is expanding its warehouse by 4,000 square feet and recently celebrated distributing their three millionth book.
Round Sponsors kept the morning full of energy by sponsoring magnificent prizes. Special thanks to Hassid Dental, Monocle Premier Eye Care, State Farm Insurance, and Energy Ogre.
Following the second round of Bingo, the audience was shown a moving video from a recent Book Celebration. Sara reminded everyone that the event was about more than just fun and games—it was about championing the power of reading. Her words set the stage for the powerful Raise the Paddle moment, which brought in nearly $55,000 in donations alone.
Books Between Kids expressed deep gratitude to the event’s attendees and generous sponsors for making this year’s Breakfast & Bingo a joyful, impactful, and record-breaking success.
As the morning ended and bingo cards were tucked away, one thing was clear: the future is looking a little brighter—and a lot more colorful—for Houston’s young readers.
