(Oct. 5, 2026) CDF-Texas’ ‘A Celebration of Joy’ will recognize three Texans for their contributions to advancing the well-being of young people in the Lone Star State.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
AUSTIN,TX—On Thursday, Children’s Defense Fund-Texas (CDF-TX), the local arm of the national child advocacy organization—will host “A Celebration of Joy,” honoring Texas changemakers, while uplifting community and reflecting the spirit of hope, resilience, and collective action for young people.
The event, themed “Through Their Eyes,” will take place at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center as an evening dedicated to celebrating the world through the creative lens of Austin’s youth. It will showcase artwork that reflects young people’s hopes, truths, and imaginations, highlighting their voices and vision while reminding the public what joy, justice, and belonging look like when children are centered in the community.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Dr. Lauren Gambill, PHM Fellowship Program Director and pediatric hospitalist, will both receive CDF-TX’s Advocate for Joy award.
As Commissioner of Harris County Precinct One, Ellis champions purpose-driven public service to improve the quality of life for Houston families and their children. In addition, he has played a critical role on the Harris County Commissioners Court by securing nonviolent misdemeanor bail reform and leading transformative investments in climate resilience. Every summer, Ellis also runs a summer literacy program to help Harris County youth avoid learning loss during the months they are outside the classroom.
Dr. Gambill is an Austin-based expert in state-level child advocacy and public policy. She has provided expert testimony to the Texas Legislature nearly 20 times, influencing evidence-based policies on mental health, healthcare funding, and food insecurity. Nationally and statewide, Dr. Gambill holds several prominent leadership roles, serving as Co-Program Director for the Academic Pediatric Association Health Policy Scholars Program, Co-Chair of the Executive Legislative Committee of the Texas Pediatric Society, and Co-Director of the Texas Educators in Advocacy & Community Health (TEACH TX) Collaborative.
What: A Celebration of Joy – Through Their Eyes
When: October 8, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
Who: Children’s Defense Fund-Texas
The Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award will be presented to Bryce Jones, a 20-year-old Texas State University student who has transformed personal challenges with accessing essential supports into a passion for ensuring that all families in Texas have access to food, healthcare, and other basic needs. His belief that advocacy is “active love” reflects the courage, compassion, and commitment to justice that the Samuel Halperin Award seeks to honor.
The evening will include remarks from CDF-TX State Director Dr. Brandy Taylor, youth artists from across Greater Austin, and an opportunity to bid on a signature piece of artwork that captures the history, people, and landmark moments of CDF-Texas’ history.
“Every day, many Texans work to support and advance the well-being of children and young people across our great state,” said Dr. Taylor. “We aim to celebrate their invaluable efforts, highlight the importance of their work, and renew our commitment to ensuring every young Texan thrives during this joyous event.”
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