About the Blue Bird Circle
14% of children born today, are born with a neurological disorder. This is why The Blue Bird Circle’s strong network of women have come together to support medical breakthroughs and the quality of life for children and their families.
Mission
The Circle exists to promote the well-being of humanity through the betterment of the community.
Its charitable and benevolent activities are pledged to the support of The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology and The Blue Bird Circle Clinical Research Center at Texas Children’s Hospital, The Blue Bird Circle Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory and The Blue Bird Circle Rett Center.
History
1923
Founded by a group of 15 young women in Houston, Texas
1952
Moved into the new Methodist Hospital to help children with neurological disorders
1985
Established The Blue Bird Circle Rett Center to provide funding for scientific and clinical research, which resulted in the 1999 discovery of the gene that causes Rett Syndrome
1986
Established The Blue Bird Circle Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory, attaining national and international recognition for genetic exploration and gene discoveries related to epilepsy
1998
Affiliated with Texas Children’s Hospital
2001
Moved into the new Texas Children’s Hospital Clinical Care Center, seeing more than 20,000 patients annually, making the Clinic one of the largest of its kind in the world
2010
Established The Blue Bird Circle Clinical Research Center at Texas Children’s Hospital, where the Center takes basic research discoveries into clinical trials giving renewed hope to the young patients who suffer from devastating neurological disorders
2014
Presented $2,000,000 to Texas Children’s Hospital to establish The Blue Bird Circle Endowed Chair for Pediatric Neurology and the Neurosciences, which is one of only four endowed pediatric neurology chairs in the country
2016-2017
The Blue Bird Circle Clinical Research Center was chosen as one of three centers in the US for infusion of enzyme directly into the brain to treat a form of Batten Disease
Presidential Letter
Founded in 1923, The Blue Bird Circle is the oldest women’s charitable organization in the City of Houston. From its beginnings, the Circle has sought to give back to the Houston community by supporting services and research that benefit children, and that mission continues today.
To continue our mission and to make a difference in the lives of children affected by neurological disorders, the Circle relies on the charitable contributions of individuals and corporations and funds received from our the Resale Shop, projects, and other fundraising activities.
The Circle is pledged to support The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology, The Blue Bird Circle Clinical Research Center, The Blue Bird Circle Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory and The Blue Bird Circle Rett Center.
Advances in neurological medical research and treatment will give hope and healing to the children who suffer from these devastating disorders, thus expanding our vision and making a difference.
With heartfelt gratitude and appreciation,
Ellen Stough
President, 2017-2018
Board & Leadership
Sue Ann Allen
Patricia Armes
Pat Boone
Kathy Boudreaux
Gail Branca
Mary Gannon
Karen Gibbons
Tanya Greenwood
Liana Hillendahl
Marcie Hortenstine
Mollie Jones
Sharon Owens
Jan Rhodes
Ellen Stough
Pam Stout
Mills Toomey
Helen Welk
Gwen Wilkinson
Carolyn Williams
Dodi Willingham
Martha Yates
Membership
become a member
The Blue Bird Circle offers the opportunity to meet lifelong friends and make a significant impact through volunteering in The Blue Bird Circle Resale Shop and The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology at Texas Children’s.
We are always looking to grow our volunteer community with diverse and passionate women to make an even greater influence in the lives of children with neurological disorders.
Membership Categories▼
Active 1: 150 hours
Active 1 volunteers commit to at least two or more days a month volunteering in the shop and/or clinic with assigned roles. They also participate in special projects or committees, and are expected to attend certain meetings.
Active 2: 75 hours
Active 2 volunteers commit to at least one or more days a month volunteering in the shop and/or clinic with assigned roles. They also participate in special projects or committees, and are expected to attend certain meetings.
Active 3: 50 hours
Active 3 volunteers can gain their hours at any time during the year volunteering in the shop, clinic and through special projects such as event planning, social media or serving on a committee.
Please contact us to learn more about these different levels of membership.