Stand Up for Children 2026
2026-03-27 18:30 - 22:00 UTC | The Post Oak Hotel
We’re just a few weeks away from Stand Up for Children on March 27th at The Post Oak Hotel— and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, inspiration, and impact as we come together to support CHILDREN AT RISK and our mission to improve the lives of Texas children. This is your chance to stand up, show your support, and be part of a night that truly makes a difference. We hope to see you there as we welcome Emmy-award winning comedian Ian Karmel!
Secure your table or tickets today — let’s make it a night to remember!

Digital Program

Purchase Tickets

Silent Auction

THANK YOU TO OUR CO-CHAIRS

Doe & Henry Florsheim

Rusha & Jay Jayasuriya

Nina & Clint Rand

HOST COMMITTEE

Dr. Jacquie Baly
Morgan & Ede Booth
Shawn Rose & Donald Bowers
Adrian Dueñas
Samantha & Edward Edson
Elizabeth Galante
Diane & Harry Gendel
Courtney & Zac Harmon

Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman
Jordan Jewett

Dr. Sippi Khurana
Sallie Morian & Michael Clark
Sue & John Poretto
Suzan & Jeremy Samuels
Jenny & John Seo
Candace Thomas
Chris Wallace
Beth Wolff
Ed Wolff

Children At Risk Private Couples Dinner at Perseid (Hotel Saint Augustine)
Enjoy a multi-course chef’s special dinner hosted by Dr. Bob and Ellen Sanborn. Support our mission through one-of-a-kind culinary experiences curated by Chef Aaron Bludorn at PERSEID, a Michelin recommended restaurant. The dinner will also feature exquisite wine pairings thoughtfully prepared by Charlie Artime. *Date will be mutually agreed upon in May 2026.

Purchase this incredible experience for $1,000 per couple.

Buy Now

Featuring Ian Karmel!

Ian Karmel is an Emmy award winning LA-based stand-up comedian, actor, and writer originally from Portland, Oregon. Ian was head writer for the Emmy award winning The Late Late Show with James Corden, and was one of the founding writers in the show’s 2015 re-creation. Previously he was a staff writer and round table regular on E!’s Chelsea Lately.
Ian’s debut memoir, T-Shirt Swim Club, co-written with his sister Alisa Karmel, will be released by the Penguin Random House imprint Harmony & Rodale Books, on June 11th 2024. His stand-up has been featured on Conan, The Late Late Show, Comedy Central, Netflix’s The Comedy Line Up, and as Just for Laughs New Face in 2013.

His debut comedy album, 9.2 on Pitchfork, was released in 2015. Ian hosts the weekly podcast All Fantasy Everything, from Headgum studios. Featured on many best of lists, it’s a lighthearted show where funny people and experts come together to fantasy draft pop culture.
Hometown hero, Ian played an instrumental role in Portland’s comedy renaissance and was voted Portland’s Funniest Person in their inaugural contest. He is also beloved for his appearances on IFC’s Portlandia, the Blazers wrap-up show Talkin’ Ball, and long running weekly column in the Portland Mercury, Everything as Fuck. With roots in improv and theatre, Ian’s training includes The Groundlings and the Upright Citizens Brigade.

Purchase Tables & Tickets

Support us as an event sponsor and enjoy an evening of cocktails, informative program, dining, premier auction, and unforgettable comedy entertainment benefiting Children At Risk mission.
For information, please contact Nely Sanchez, at 832-659-7852 or nsanchez@childrenatrisk.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR
JOANN & DAN LONGORIA
GOLD SPONSOR
DOE & HENRY FLORSHEIM
SILVER SPONSOR
WHALLEY FAMILY FOUNDATION

BRONZE SPONSORS

RUSHA & JAY JAYASURIYA
CLAIRE & WILSON LAM
MAREK
SHAINA PERRY & JEREMY ROSS
NINA & CLINT RAND | SAMANTHA & EDWARD EDSON | COURTNEY & ZAC HARMON
SUZAN & JEREMY SAMUELS
SENDERO
JENNY & JOHN SEO
VIP COUPLES SPONSORS
JOHN H. GLOVER
CHRIS WALLACE

Floral Underwriter

Media Underwriter

Photo Booth Underwriter

Austin: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-14 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 10 AM- 11:15 PM (CST) to provide local insight from Austin and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Dallas: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 10 AM- 11:15 AM (CST) to provide local insight from Dallas and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Tyler: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:15
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:15 PM (CST) to provide local insight from Tyler and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Fort Worth: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-16 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 10 – 11:15 AM (CST) to provide local insight from Fort Worth and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Midland-Odessa: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-21 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 10 – 11:15 AM (CST) to provide local insight from Midland-Odessa and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Amarillo: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-21 13:00 - 14:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 1 PM- 2:15 PM (CST) to provide local insight from Amarillo and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Lubbock: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-22 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:15 AM (CST) to provide local insight from Lubbock and help shape the future of children in Texas.

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El Paso: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 9 – 10:15 AM (MST) to provide local insight from El Paso and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

McAllen: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:15 PM (CST) to provide local insight from McAllen and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

San Antonio: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-28 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 10 – 11:15 AM (CST) to provide local insight from San Antonio and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Houston: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-29 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 10 – 11:15 AM (CST) to provide local insight from Houston and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Brownsville: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-29 13:00 - 14:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK’S Early Education team on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 1 PM- 2:15 PM (CST) to provide local insight from Brownsville and help shape the future of children in Texas.

REGISTER

Statewide: Spring 2026 Texas Tour
2026-04-30 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual via Zoom
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local Workforce Development Board spending, updated Child Care Desert data, legislative advocacy updates, alongside insights from child care providers across the state. We value these conversations as an opportunity to hear directly from communities and better understand what providers and families are experiencing locally.

REGISTER

The Future of Children
2026-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
CHILDREN AT RISK is excited to host a future minded event grounded in the latest developments shaping child well-being and informed by lessons from around the world. Invited experts will share bold ideas and actionable visions to build a world where every child can grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential.
This summit is presented in partnership with the Texas Family Leadership Council (TXFLC).

Want to join us as a partner or sponsor on an upcoming Learning Event? Reach out to learning@childrenatrisk.org for more information.

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2026 CHILDREN AT RISK Golf Classic
2026-06-08 08:00 - 15:00 | Golf Club of Houston, 5860 Wilson Rd, Humble, Texas, 77396
Join us at the 26th Annual CHILDREN AT RISK Golf Classic.
Birdies for Bright Futures!

Sponsorship Opportunities

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Mark Your Calendars!

CHILDREN AT RISK is proud to present our 26th Annual Golf Classic “Birdies for Bright Futures,” on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at the beautiful and prestigious Golf Club of Houston. For more than two decades, the Golf Classic has raised critical funds to advance our mission of improving the lives of children across Texas. Because of your support, we continue to drive meaningful change—ensuring every child has access to quality education, healthcare, proper nutrition, and a future free from exploitation and trafficking.
We are honored to welcome longtime Tournament Host Melissa Wilson of KRIV Fox 26 Houston, who will once again lead this special day on the green. Guests will enjoy breakfast before heading out for a putting contest, followed by play on the prestigious 18-hole championship course, complete with exciting on-course contests and surprise activities. The day will conclude with a celebratory lunch and refreshments.
Thank you for your continued support of CHILDREN AT RISK. We hope you will join us on June 8 at the Golf Club of Houston. Together, we can drive lasting change and create brighter futures for the children who need us most.
It’s sure to be a fantastic day on the green!

C@R is still accepting applications for those interested in joining our 26th Annual Golf Classic Host Committee!

Interested in Joining the Committee?

Ready to get involved? Use the button above to submit your interest today!

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About Golf Club of Houston

Golf Club of Houston has a 17-year history of hosting the Houston Open, the amazing layout of the Tournament Course and high levels of customer service combine for a first-class day of golf. The Tournament Course is ranked in the “Top 50 Texas Public Golf Courses you can Play”—claiming the top-rated spot among all Houston courses. Adding to the prestige of our course, they hosted LIV Golf Houston in June 2024—with the world’s top professional golfers once again strolling our fairways.

For more information, please contact Nely Sanchez, Sr. Associate Director of Special events, at 832-659-7852 or nsanchez@childrenatrisk.org.

The Intersection of Early Childhood & Children of Immigrants
2026-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
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CHILDREN AT RISK presents a multi-sector conversation focused on the intersection of early childhood and children in immigrant families. This virtual event will explore why high-quality early education is essential for this rapidly growing population and how emerging political and legal shifts are shaping access and opportunity. National and local experts will share the latest insights, highlight the systems influencing family experiences, and offer bold ideas to ensure young children in immigrant communities have every chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
This summit is presented in partnership with the Texas Family Leadership Council (TXFLC).

Want to join us as a partner or sponsor on an upcoming Learning Event? Reach out to learning@childrenatrisk.org for more information.

Promoting Child Safety & Connection
2026-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
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A closer look at human trafficking & opportunity youth

Across the United States, young people who are disconnected from school or work face some of the highest risks for exploitation. In response, CHILDREN AT RISK will host a virtual summit to spotlight this growing trend, examine recent data on the links between disconnection and trafficking, and champion best practices that keep young people safe, supported, and connected to opportunity. This conversation will bring together experts to share actionable strategies that help youth stay engaged in their community, build strong networks, and move toward long term success.
This summit is presented in partnership with the Texas Family Leadership Council (TXFLC).

Want to join us as a partner or sponsor on an upcoming Learning Event? Reach out to learning@childrenatrisk.org for more information.

The 2026 Children's Agenda
2026-11-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
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The Children’s Agenda: 90th Legislative Priorities + Sunset Commission Recommendations

Ahead of the 90th Texas Legislature, CHILDREN AT RISK will host a virtual summit to share key advocacy updates and opportunities shaping the next cycle of child focused policy. This conversation will highlight priority issues before the Texas Sunset Commission, outline emerging legislative pathways, and equip participants with a clear understanding of what is at stake for children and families. Experts will provide insight into the systems poised for change and the strategies that can advance a strong, data informed Children’s Agenda in the year ahead.
This summit is presented in partnership with the Texas Family Leadership Council (TXFLC).

Want to join us as a partner or sponsor on an upcoming Learning Event? Reach out to learning@childrenatrisk.org for more information.
