Children’s Museum Houston raises record-setting $237,000 for early learning

Chaired by Lexi Sakowitz Marek and Natasha Stolte

HOUSTON (March 10,2026) – With inspiration, generosity,and a shared passion for children’s learning, more than 400 supporters gathered at River Oaks Country Club on March 5, for Children's Museum Houston’s 2026 Friends and Families Luncheon, raising a record-setting $237,000, making it the most successful luncheon in the Museum’s history.

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“The Friends and Families Luncheon is a celebration of the families, educators, and champions who believe in the magic of childhood and the extraordinary potential inside every child.  This incredible outpouring of support shows what happens when a community comes together around a powerful idea that every child deserves joyful opportunities to learn, explore, and grow,” said Rayanne Darensbourg, Children's Museum Houston CEO.  “Because of this community’s generosity, we can continue creating playful learning experiences that ignite curiosity and empower the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.”

Co-chaired by Lexi Sakowitz Marek and Natasha Stolte,the luncheon brought together a vibrant community of advocates who believe deeply in the power of playful learning to shape confident, curious children. Guests were welcomed by emcee Katherine Whaley, who guided the afternoon’s celebration of family, community, and the transformative impact of early learning.

The event’s keynote address was delivered by Spencer Russell, founder of Toddlers CAN Read,whose message about helping children embrace challenges resonated deeply with the audience.

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Russell encouraged parents and caregivers to empower children to do hard things, breaking big challenges into manageable steps and supporting them through the process so they can experience the confidence that comes from perseverance and success.

The room was completely captivated.

“You could have heard a pin drop,” attendees shared afterward, reflecting the audience’s total immersion in Russell’s remarks and the overwhelmingly positive reaction to his inspiring message.

During the luncheon, the Museum unveiled its newest gift to Houston families: the “Gallery of Wonder,” the largest museum space in the nation dedicated exclusively to early learning. Designed for infants through age five, the gallery features five interconnected exhibits scaled for little bodies and big curiosities, and enough room for hundreds of little “firsts.”

Complementing this immersive environment are early childhood educators on hand to engage families and guide learning, and nearly two dozen dynamic programs each thoughtfully designed to support early brain development, critical thinking, and cognitive growth.  The “Gallery of Wonder” is expected to welcome more than 350,000 visitors annually.

Guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared menu by River Oaks Country Club featuring a quinoa and vegetable salad with red and white quinoa, celery, cucumbers, chives, bell peppers, Boston lettuce, microgreens, and citrus dressing, followed by pecan-crusted chicken served with whipped sweet potatoes, julienne vegetables,asparagus spears, and mustard beurre blanc. Dessert featured key lime pietopped with fresh seasonal berries.

The elegant setting was enhanced by stunning floral centerpieces generously donated by Central Market,while guests departed with delicious cookie favors courtesy of Village Bakery.

The luncheon also featured a lively raffle that delighted attendees with a curated collection of prizes. Highlights included a SkinLuxe Facial and Dermaplane at SkinLab, a luxurious baby alpaca wool coat from HARA Concept, a $250 gift card from Le Mel Jewelry, and an original painting by artist Kristen Sweek. Guests also had the chance towin a thoughtfully assembled Toddlers CAN Read gift basket, a set of Pickle Ball Mahjong Tiles, and an exclusive private shopping event at A.L.C.

Spotted at the event:  Katie Arnoldy, Meredith Barker, Lauren Barrett, Kathryn Boeker, Bethany Buchanan, Alex Butt, Skye Chao, Allison Chavez, Julie Chen, Lauren Cox, Adrienne Crane, Narguess Fazel, Annabel Florescu, Devorah Krieger, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Lacey Marek, Hayden Lasher, Amanda Pickering, Kat Pressly, Monica Radoff, Ashley Sloan, Mary Morgan Stevens and many more!

Proceeds from the record-setting luncheon help advance Children's Museum Houston mission to improve the trajectories of children in Greater Houston through innovative,child-centered learning, ensuring children and families have access to joyful, hands-on learning experiences that nurture creativity, build confidence, and spark a lifelong love of discovery.