Welcome to the twelfth edition of The Social Book. An ancient Chinese proverb states my feelings quite succinctly while preparing this book for 2007: “A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses.” How coincidental that during the past eighteen months, I have been exposed to many Asian influences, due to my friendship with Channel 13’s ace reporter Miya Shay and her boyfriend Tom Griffin. Their encouragement in large measure motivated me to seek assistance from China to produce this edition of The Social Book. I was overwhelmed at the professionalism and dedication of folks half a world away to the quality represented here. A special thank you to Haoning (Henry) Liang for working so hard as our translator, negotiator, and expediter.
A twelve year journey has led this book and me down many roads. I have discovered that when doors close, many times windows will open and reveal new lessons yet to be learned. We just need to pay attention and be thankful for those lessons, which sometimes keep repeating until we really do pay attention. I offer my gratitude and respect to the past owners of the book: Warner Roberts, Cynthia Smith, Neil Tofsky and Fred Zeidman. Thank you for your individual visions and guidance. This book is better for having had your gifts within it. Very special words of thanks go to Kimberly and Frank DeLape for their assistance during this past eighteen months. We appreciate your help more than you know. Sami Shbeeb and Tom Griffin, I appreciate your dedication and guidance that was so needed during this time.
We had so many compliments on the new book design that I thought we should continue the same look this year. Again we congratulate Paul Jerome and Esteban Marcos of Dreamray (nee 917 Media) for their beautiful artistry, which truly took our style to another level.
The fourth year of the “Houston Treasures” again honors Houstonian leaders renowned for philanthropy and social contribution. This important life to the book’s legacy continues through “Houston Treasures” creator Warner Roberts and sponsor Stanford Group Company. My deepest respect goes to my wonderful friend Warner, who again brought twelve outstanding individuals into this project to ensure its legacy for 2007, and to Stanford Group Company who saw this vision as we do and agreed to partner with us.
My utmost respect to all our sponsors, advertisers, subscribers and non-profits; we would not exist without your unwavering support. A final note to Iraj Ghavidel and James Perry at VCI; Charlene and Georgia (Quality Handbindery); Karen Henry and Gretchen Ferguson (The PR Boutique), Ellie Francisco and Karen Lee—thank you for your professionalism, hard work, and taking my late night phone calls. I am grateful for your loyalty and support over these many years. I offer special and heartfelt thanks to Jeff Henry, The Social Book’s Associate Editor, Vice President and General Counsel, for his spirit, sage advice, and many hours spent editing; to Fran Fauntleroy for her friendship, advice and dogged determination; to Debbie Elias for her event planning expertise; and to all those who have helped create the vision for the 2007 edition of The Social Book and the launch party.
We wish all of you health, happiness and prosperity in 2007. Enjoy this beautiful book. I dedicate this twelfth edition to all those who had a goal and were told “you can’t do it” or “it won’t work,” and continued to persevere until their dreams came true. Believe me, it’s possible. Believe in yourself. The Chinese proverb above rings true, as no one ever does anything alone. When you give of yourself to someone, a part of you will linger with them long afterward. If someone gives you roses, remember to thank them and pay their gifts forward to someone else.
A twelve year journey has led this book and me down many roads. I have discovered that when doors close, many times windows will open and reveal new lessons yet to be learned. We just need to pay attention and be thankful for those lessons, which sometimes keep repeating until we really do pay attention. I offer my gratitude and respect to the past owners of the book: Warner Roberts, Cynthia Smith, Neil Tofsky and Fred Zeidman. Thank you for your individual visions and guidance. This book is better for having had your gifts within it. Very special words of thanks go to Kimberly and Frank DeLape for their assistance during this past eighteen months. We appreciate your help more than you know. Sami Shbeeb and Tom Griffin, I appreciate your dedication and guidance that was so needed during this time.
We had so many compliments on the new book design that I thought we should continue the same look this year. Again we congratulate Paul Jerome and Esteban Marcos of Dreamray (nee 917 Media) for their beautiful artistry, which truly took our style to another level.
The fourth year of the “Houston Treasures” again honors Houstonian leaders renowned for philanthropy and social contribution. This important life to the book’s legacy continues through “Houston Treasures” creator Warner Roberts and sponsor Stanford Group Company. My deepest respect goes to my wonderful friend Warner, who again brought twelve outstanding individuals into this project to ensure its legacy for 2007, and to Stanford Group Company who saw this vision as we do and agreed to partner with us.
My utmost respect to all our sponsors, advertisers, subscribers and non-profits; we would not exist without your unwavering support. A final note to Iraj Ghavidel and James Perry at VCI; Charlene and Georgia (Quality Handbindery); Karen Henry and Gretchen Ferguson (The PR Boutique), Ellie Francisco and Karen Lee—thank you for your professionalism, hard work, and taking my late night phone calls. I am grateful for your loyalty and support over these many years. I offer special and heartfelt thanks to Jeff Henry, The Social Book’s Associate Editor, Vice President and General Counsel, for his spirit, sage advice, and many hours spent editing; to Fran Fauntleroy for her friendship, advice and dogged determination; to Debbie Elias for her event planning expertise; and to all those who have helped create the vision for the 2007 edition of The Social Book and the launch party.
We wish all of you health, happiness and prosperity in 2007. Enjoy this beautiful book. I dedicate this twelfth edition to all those who had a goal and were told “you can’t do it” or “it won’t work,” and continued to persevere until their dreams came true. Believe me, it’s possible. Believe in yourself. The Chinese proverb above rings true, as no one ever does anything alone. When you give of yourself to someone, a part of you will linger with them long afterward. If someone gives you roses, remember to thank them and pay their gifts forward to someone else.
