Houston Junior Forum In the News - Dinner with the Dog Whisperer

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Memorial Resident Carolyn Kares, public relations for the forum, said the school, with three full-time teachers and three teacher aides, operates on an annual budget of approximately $250,000.

They hope to raise $200,000 from the event, she said.

"We chose Cesar Millan because he is someone who has been successful with English as a second language, and our preschool is predominately Hispanic, " Kares said.

"he is an excellent communicator, he has mass appeal and he's never appeared in the Houston area."

East End resident Maria Calles, director of the preschool, said this is a special occasion.

Calles said the school, which has an enrollment of 98 children ages 3 to 4 years, will show Millan they are appreciative with a choir performance.

"We have a very nice choir here, and we want to make sure some of our children go and thank Cesar Millan and Houston Junior Forum, for what they're doing for the preschool, Calles said.

Millan, has never been to Houston and doesn't usually speak at events that are not related to dog rescue groups.

But Millan is not only a dog behavior expert.

He's a father of two boys, so he wanted to show his support for the school.

"Working with kids is something I love to do," Millan said through e-mail.

"Unfortunately, my filming schedule does not allow me to travel much for much other than the show, but this is an opportunity I was thrilled I could work into my schedule.

I am looking forward to my trip to Houston, and I hope we bring in a huge crowd and raise awareness in the children, who are our future leaders."

Houston Junior Forum was established in 1946 by women who volunteer to provide charitable services to children, youth and senior citizens.

"The Houston Junior Forum began the Community House Preschool in 1952 as a nursery," Kares said.

"Today the preschool is accredited with more than 4,900 graduates and more than 80 percent going on to complete high school."

In addition to the fundraising dinner, Community House Preschool will hold a campus carnival from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. April 21.

"The preschool has been here for the past 50 years," Calles said. "We were here before anyone even decided 3- and 4-year olds needed to go to school. But Houston Junior Forum saw the need, because we had a lot of children in our community that were not being served.

"The need is still here. We always have full enrollment and a waiting list."