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Laura S. Ward, Executive Director
It all began as a fundraiser for her own children – five bucks a head for a spaghetti dinner in the high school gym of a private Christian school. Twenty million dollars and twenty-six years later, her drive to help children in need ranks her among the top executive directors of children's charities.
Growing up with eight siblings taught Laura the value of sharing, nurturing her giving spirit. After graduating from Louisiana State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree, Laura began volunteering while raising her three children.
One of her first major volunteer efforts was establishing Houston's first limb Bank for children, the only facility of its kind in Texas. For three years she served as Development Board Chairman for the Arbor School, a school for handicapped children. Continuing on the Arbor Board for nine years, she served on the school's Six Million Dollar Capital Campaign Committee.
Laura has contributed her time and expertise to innumerable charitable events and has chaired many of them, such as the first “Sunshine Kids Golf/Tennis Classic,” the Variety Club of Houston annual “Gold Heart Gala” for five years, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation “Cabana Caper,” Troy Aikman and Roger Staubauch Foundation “First Annual Health Champions Inaugural Gala,” the First “Friends of Chuck Norris Kick Drugs Out of America Dinner,” Arbor School Gala “Robert Earl Keen for the Kids,” The Furniture Bank Gala, James Beard Foundation Annual Scholarship Dinner, “Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia,” and for three years has served as Dinner Chairman for The Houston Police Foundation “A True Blue Evening Gala.” For three years, she served as Underwriter Party Chair for the Texaco/Havoline “Mayor's Grand Prix.”
Past board memberships include Arbor Preschool Development Board, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, The Furniture Bank, Chuck Norris' Kick Drugs out of America, Silver Grace Hope Foundation and Baylor Partnership. Currently she serves on the Boards of Elves and More and Joyful Toyful; she is on the Advisory Board of Hope Shelter, the Salvation Army Guild and the Ladies Guild of Devereux Treatment Network.
Laura has served as the Executive Director of Houston Children's Charity since its inception in 1996 and has been instrumental in implementing the Limbs for Life program, the Chariots for Children Van Program and most recently the “A Better Night's Sleep” program which provides 100 beds per month to Houston's needy children and the most recent addition, the HCC Family Closet, which provides clothing for families in need at absolutely no cost.
Laura has been honored with The Cancer League's “Pacesetter of the Year Award,” The Furniture Bank” Volunteer of the Year Award,” The Wellsprings “Precious Time Award,” Baylor College of Medicine – Foundation for Teen Health “Visionary Award,” Be An Angel “The 2009 Angel Award,” and has been the honoree at the Arbor School Gala, the Assistance League of Houston Gala, along with Dave, and the Devereux Annual Gala.
Passionately devoted to her mission, Laura believes that “need never takes a vacation.” Known for her perseverance, Laura's unceasing efforts to provide for children in need make her a champion of the cause. Her spirit and enthusiasm are contagious, winning Laura an ever expanding circle of loyal supporters. Many of her supporters participating in that long ago spaghetti dinner remain committed to her causes today, proof of Laura's inspiring leadership. |
