Laura Ward | Woman of Character

“Shhhh!, ladies and gentlemen,” commands Laura Ward, President & CEO of Houston Children’s Charity, to a 700-plus crowd. Everyone is eagerly awaiting Pitbull’s performance at the Houston Children’s Charity Annual Gala at billionaire Tilman Frittata’s new Post Oak Uptown Hotel. I am mesmerized by her mere presence, the gorgeous eyes, and stern voice. She has been instrumental in implementing the “Limbs for Life,” “Chariots for Children,” and “A Better Night’s Sleep” programs which provide thousands of children with much needed assistance. Laura also assisted in the founding of the “HCC Closet” program, which provides clothing for families in need at absolutely no cost, and the “Back 2 School” program, which has provided more than 13,000 children with backpacks and school supplies since 2005.

Laura Ward

Growing up with eight siblings, Laura was raised by a very strong woman who instilled in her the values of sharing, and nurtured her giving spirit. “It was instinctual that what we do is take care of each other,” explains Laura. “I have always tried to be the best mom I could. Maybe due to work, I could not give as much time as I wish I could have.” Laura began volunteering while raising her three children, and contributed her time and expertise to innumerable charitable events.

When Mrs. Ward says she loves something, you are inclined to trust her. It’s all in her actions. Whether it is her commitment to lunch with a billionaire, or just keeping her promise to lunch with me, she is a woman of her word. Laura cuts straight to the chase and speaks her mind. The more you know her, the more you love her. By the way, did I mention that her husband is the legendary television personality, Dave Ward? “Hello! I am Mrs. Ward, Dave Ward’s wife,” she chuckles. “I have had a great career, have always worked, and don’t necessarily want to just have ‘Dave Ward’s Wife’ as my title, but yes, he is a celebrity and I am very proud of him.”

Laura Ward and Dave Ward

If only I could just sit all day and listen to Laura’s many stories about her mother’s freshly baked pita bread to her frequent tête-à-tête with Tilman Fretitta. But with a go-go-go schedule, her typical day starts with phone calls about raising funds and meetings till noon, to finally wrapping up around 10 pm every night, she is a whirlwind of activism. “Dave and I are often at Willy G’s for dinner to just unwind,” says Laura.

What has made Laura such a power player when it comes to raising funds? She pushes the envelope and tries to do the best that needs to be done. “Keep it personal, involve the community and, keep them informed,” she says. “Houston is so philanthropic. There are so many great causes, but I am old fashioned, so I pick up the phone and talk to everyone. With social media there is too much of a distance, a gap. Nurture a relationship, be sincere.”

But what was the pressure in organizing such a large gala with Pitbull? “A tremendous amount of coordination. Dave has known Tilman for a very long time, and I met him in 1991. Then he joined the board of the Houston Children’s Charity and we are very thankful to make Pitbull happen.” Laura doesn’t consider herself a fashion darling. She calls her style understated and simple, but yes, she did add plenty of sparkle to the gala this year as a tribute to Mr. WorldWide.

Laura Ward, Pitbull, and Tilman Frittata – Photo By Michelle Watson

A true leader that never fails to apologize when needed, Laura Ward has bagged numerous awards and accolades including Women of Distinction, Greater Houston Women’s Hall of Fame, and The Cancer League’s “Pacesetter of the Year Award.” She has also served as the Event Advisor for Baylor College of Medicine – The Partnership Magic of Motown. In 2016 she was honored with the Leiv Platou Crime Stoppers Award, and was recognized with the Houston Business Journal’s 2016 Women Who Mean Business Award. The list goes on. “I have always worked, and enjoy doing charity work, but motherhood (and now being a grandmother) is my favorite role,” she adds.

What do you envision for Houston Children’s Charity in the coming years? “The future is very bright, it will grow by leaps and bounds and the word is out. We are cause-related and not disease-related.” What began as a fundraiser for her children, to raise $5 a head for a spaghetti dinner in high school, and after thirty years and over $70 million later, her passion to help children in need ranks her amongst the leading fundraising executives.

From the highs and the lows, from heels to flats, from the simple joys of motherhood and companionship, Laura beams with contentment to just sit in her patio, enjoying the roses in her garden while cooking her fried chicken (it’s the best). The untamed flame of passion devoted to her mission comes from the belief that ‘need never takes a vacation’. A creature of habit, with little time to cultivate new friendships, Laura is a private person with perseverance and an unwavering dedication to provide for children in need. She is humble, strong willed, and has a contagious enthusiasm. Mrs. Laura Ward gives me a warm hug, and wraps up our interview and photoshoot before jumping into her next important meeting.