On May 3, Children's Defense Fund-Texas celebrated its 13th annual Beat the Odds awards in Houston, co-chaired by Arvia and Jason Few and Ileana and J. Michael Trevino.  Channel 13's Melanie Lawson hosted an audience of more than 350 at the Hilton Post Oak hotel who joined CDF in recognizing and awarding five extraordinary young people with college scholarships totaling $30,000. Distinguished speakers included: J. Moises Cedillos, 2000 Beat the Odds recipient; and Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund. Learn more about this year’s honorees and listen to their stories.

Meet our 2012 winners

  See pictures of the event  |  View a complete list of sponsors

Special thanks to event co-chairs Arvia and Jason Few and Ileana and J. Michael Trevino for helping to make this event a success. And, thank you to all of our supporters and friends who make this effort possible.

Host Committee:
Philamena and Arthur Baird Adele and Lan Bentsen Darlene and Cappy Bisso Susan and Dan Boggio Gina and Jonathan Carroll Donna Cole Joann and Bill Crassas Elizabeth and Anthony DeLuca Marcy and Robert Duncan Juanita Elizondo Martin and Kelli Cohen Fein Ann and J. Kent Friedman Cyndy Garza Roberts Courtney Hopson Bethany Hughes Kathryn L. Ketelsen	Eileen and Kase Lawal Melanie Lawson Lisa Malosky Linda May Soraya and Scott McClelland Nidhika and Pershant Mehta Sharon Owens Imogen "Immy" Papadopoulos Dr. Charlotte Parker Elizabeth and Gary Petersen Beverly and Jim Postl Regina Rogers Adelle and LeRoy Shaw Phoebe and Bobby Tudor Donna and Tony Vallone Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro Andrea and Bill White

View celebrations by year:

Houston 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005
Dallas    2012 | 2011 | 2010