30-year anniversary fete a grand time for all

The sold out event included a silent auction, musical entertainment by Mickey Dobbs, dinner and speeches by notable Republican leaders.

State Senator Tommy Williams led the pledges to the United States and Texas flags, followed by a patriotic medley sung by Deborah Wedekind and Judge Jay Karahan.

Houston City Councilmember Mike Sullivan was honored for his service to the community and his longtime support of KARW. Club president Halene Crossman presented a US flag to Sullivan for the new Kingwood library.

“We were very pleased with the turn-out, the excellent speakers, our successful silent auction, the great entertainment, and everything, actually,” said Crossman. “It was a very successful event, and I am very proud of our entire board for all their hard work over the past seven months preparing for this wonderful celebration. They are an incredible group of women, some with very young children, some with teenagers and some who are grandmothers. Our profile has changed markedly in the past few years.”

The event was purposely planned for the month of September, which is National Literacy Month. Literacy is a significant cause for KARW, and the group has worked for years to further that cause.

“Reading is the key to education, and education is the key to a better life,” said Crossman.

Former Congressman Jack Fields served as master of ceremonies for the event, and local talk show host Michael Berry was the featured speaker. Congressman Ted Poe spoke highly of KARW’s many years of service, and State Senator Tommy Williams presented long-stemmed yellow roses to the following past presidents in attendance: Patti Johnson – 1980 (charter member), Pat Wall – 1981 (charter member), Jeanette Guttormson – 1991, Charlotte Henderson – 1993 and 1994, Mary Blanchard – 1995, Cheryl Johnson – 1998 and 1999, Alice Rekeweg – 2002, 2007 and 2008, Terice Richards – 2003 and 2004, and Halene Crossman – 2005, 2006 and 2009.

A letter of congratulations and praise was sent to KARW from former first lady Laura Bush, and a Commendation was sent by Congressman Kevin Brady on behalf of the United States House of Representatives.

For more information about KARW, visit www.kingwoodarearepublicanwomen.org.

Photos: (Top) Houston talk show host Michael Berry served as featured speaker at the KARW anniversary gala, with KARW president Halene Crossman. (Bottom) A memorabilia table at the KARW anniversary gala, featured photos and other historical items chronicling KARW’s 30 year history.