The Texans Care for Children Awards Luncheon brings together community-minded Texans united by a shared belief: every child deserves a safe home, a strong start in school, access to quality health care, and the opportunity to thrive.

For more than 40 years, Texans Care for Children has been a leader in children’s policy advocacy, driving solutions that improve the lives of kids and families across our state.

This annual event is the place to connect with child advocates, business and health care leaders, policymakers, and early educators who know that policy change is one of the most powerful ways to build a brighter future for Texas children.

The Luncheon is not only an opportunity to raise vital support for our mission — it’s also a chance to hear directly from our 2026 honorees about what inspires them and what lies ahead in the fight for Texas children and families.

For questions or custom sponsorship opportunities, contact Lauren Adams at ladams@txchildren.org.

TABLES AND TICKETS

Louis Appel, MD, MPH

Director of Pediatrics
People’s Community Clinic, Austin

Dr. Louis Appel has dedicated the last two decades to advocating for child and maternal health. He currently serves as the Director of Pediatrics at People’s Community Clinic in Austin, where he previously held the position of Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Appel is a former president of the Texas Pediatric Society and has shown innovative leadership in various areas, including addressing postpartum depression, promoting early literacy, and integrating early relational health and support for early childhood brain development into pediatric primary care.

Veronda L. Durden, MS

President & Chief Executive Officer
Any Baby Can, Austin

Veronda Durden has been a dedicated advocate for Texas children and families throughout her career in state government and the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as President and CEO of Any Baby Can, which provides a number of critical services including Early Childhood Intervention for infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays, Nurse-Family Partnership, No Estás Solo, and more. She has held numerous leadership positions in the state and her community, including serving as Commissioner of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

By supporting the Luncheon, you’ll fuel our work to advance smart policies that help kids and families thrive! Together, progress is possible. 

Our dedicated Luncheon host committee shares our vision of a more equitable Texas for children and families. Thank you to this amazing team for helping us honor our Founder’s Award recipients, welcoming new guests to the table, and creating change that will last for generations.

  • The De Cuebaz Company

  • SRI International

  • Early Learning Expert

  • Management Consultant

  • Student1

  • Education Consultant

  • Phenix Saenz

  • Squeezed Consulting

  • King & Spalding, LLP

  • Education Consultant

  • Nix Patterson, LLP

  • Advocate for Texas Families

  • Claire Zinnecker Design