Robin Klaes

A passionate advocate for the Houston community

Robin Klaes celebrates others and their accomplishments, building connections, forging friendships, and supporting organizations that make a difference in Houston. Gracious and loyal, Robin “enriches lives…by creating opportunities to get together,” giving to others in ways both large and small. Whether fighting to beat cancer, calling for accessibility for the disabled, or getting formula and diapers to babies at risk, Robin leads with heart.

As a devoted Houstonian, Robin has dedicated herself to service initiatives that raise awareness. She has supported Trees of Hope as a board member since 2003, leading as Chair from 2005-2008, and later honored at their 2013 “Winter White Gala.” She was further recognized in 2016 when she became a Lifetime Member. It was then that she dedicated herself to the Miller Outdoor Theater advisory board, chairing the 100th anniversary gala. Championing even more causes dear to her heart, Robin co-chaired the Nutcracker Market Preview Party (2021), Judy’s Mission Possible Luncheon (2020), the Easter Seals Greater Houston’s 16th Annual Hats Off to Mothers Luncheon (2015), The River Celebration (2015), L.I.F.E. Houston Legacy Luncheon (2014), Picnic in the Park for SEARCH Homeless Services (2012), University of St. Thomas Alumni Association Fall Fashion Show (2007), Pink Pairs Luncheon benefiting the Pink Ribbon Project (2007), Episcopal High School Hawaiian Knights Auction (2006) which raised over $1 million in one night, Avondale House Gala (2000), and chaired the River Oak Baptist School Gala (1998 and 1999). Robin was also recognized as an Honorary Chair at the Judy’s Mission Possible in the Park (2021). And, as a longtime advocate for the Star of Hope and SEARCH Homeless Missions, Robin continues to bring community service into the lives of family and friends too, often inviting them to donate a blanket, a purse, or a meal to someone in need.

Driven to help others, Robin joined the Junior League of Houston in 1994. She has fundraised for World Vision to bring clean water wells to those in need and chaired prestigious galas for the American Cancer Society; she has raised support for House of Tiny Treasures, a free daycare for homeless children; she has chaired teacher appreciation committees, served as a room mother, a development board member, and more, stepped up to coach her son’s basketball team when no one else volunteered. Not only did others catch a glimpse of her level of commitment in a time of need, they saw the team win the championship.

Robin puts her whole heart into philanthropy. She continues to inspire others to answer the call to serve. She has identified talent for fundraising projects, revamped a speakers’ series, and hosted concerts on her lawn to support The Music Box Theater when Covid temporarily closed their doors. She has delivered baskets to new mothers and victims of natural disasters and rolled up her sleeves to ring the Christmas bell for donations for the Salvation Army. And this year to ring in the 2023 holiday season, she and Danny chaired the Houston Holiday Shopping Card event for the American Cancer Society, raising over $750,000.

A loving mother and wife, Robin and her husband Danny met at the University of St. Thomas, marrying shortly after graduation in 1985. Sharing a true partnership, they have three incredible children, Chaz (36), Dakota (34), and Kit (28). When asked to describe Robin, Danny replies, “Involved, involved, involved,” further sharing that “Raising our children [was] the most important work we ever [did].” Robin and Danny brought up their children with time-honored principles: Put in the work. Practice common courtesy. Do the right thing. When accepting invitations, never “better deal” others. Give back. When out and about, always say hello to friends. It’s no wonder that the Klaes children share the same spirit of giving. In fact, Chaz chose to attend Washington & Lee University, in part because community outreach is such a core of its school culture. Likewise, when Dakota applied to college, he asked a campus tour guide what students did to help the neighboring community. To this day, Kit regularly supports SEARCH Homeless Services through fundraisers and clothing drives.

Chaz graduated Washington and Lee School of Law and now practices in Houston. He and his wife Tany have two children, Mary Frances and Charlie. Dakota graduated with honors from Vanderbilt with a degree in Philosophy and received his Masters in Screenwriting from New York Film Academy. He lives in Houston with his wife Joannacoco. Kit graduated the University of Southern California with a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production. She currently owns and operates two businesses: The Courtly Canvas, a needlework shop in the heart of Houston, and I Need Some Dough, a baking company. She is married to Davis Hance.

Robin and Danny continue to create traditions that matter, whether opening their home for an annual Christmas party, welcoming all of their children’s former teachers from elementary and secondary school—more than 125 educators spanning 24 years—as a big, festive thank you, or hosting a Breakfast with Santa for families, or making care packages for single mothers and military men and women. In fact, Robin has helped thousands, simply by inviting them into her circle of care and compassion.