Kay Wasden

Gary, you have had the largest impact of any one person on spreading the word about COR, getting funding for COR, and building connections for COR. And you have had a huge impact on me personally as well. You encourage me to never be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for funds, reminding me to always believe in the work COR does and to be confident in the value of that work. You have introduced me to so many wonderful people! You have built this amazing legacy of support for our city's poorest children, and chosen such terrific people to be part of that support system. I am honored to now be a part of that group. One of my favorite traits about you, Gary, besides your sense of humor and sense of fun (despite the seriousness of the work we do together), is your positivity. You never see a set-back as the end. You are quick to rebound, regroup, and turn to the next possibility. That is the biggest lesson I have learned from you. The work is ongoing, and valuable, and support will be found when we find the right people to ask. Discouragement needs to be short-lived.

When I gave my brief talk at your concert, I said that your generous spirit, tireless efforts, loving heart, and infectious personality have made you the ideal person to do all you have done for HISD and our city, and to gather our community behind that work. Those same traits make you a delight and a joy to be around. You see the best in people, and bring out the best in people, and I dearly love you for that. Thank you for being my friend.