It’s Getting Hot in Here! Firefighters Gala Returns, Shirtless Hunks and All

It’s Getting Hot in Here! Firefighters Gala Returns, Shirtless Hunks and All

Firefighter and "Mr. February" on the runway at Red Hot

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL ball benefitting Houston firefighters lived up to its rep as one the most fun — and revealing — galas going.


Again with event founders Elizabeth and Alan Stein leading the show as chairs, the Red Hot Gala in support of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation drew more than 500 to a pair of Royal Sonesta ballrooms. One was used for pre- and post-dinner cocktailing and perusing of an extensive silent auction, while the one across the hall was the scene of a lavish dinner and presentations that ranged for heart-tugging to heart-racing.

Indeed, the mournful playing of the bagpipe and a rousing acapella rendition of the National Anthem moved the crowd. Later on, the strains of Disco Inferno and Fireball got guests going in a different way — and the first responders featured in the 2025 hunky-fireman calendar to the catwalk shirtless, oiled-up pecs glistening under stage lights. One imagines the whoops and hollers could be heard from space.

Thanks in part to both silent and live auctions, some $850,000 was raised to help provide state-of-the-art equipment for the fire department not covered in its government budgets. A generous set of patrons helped make the night such a success. The Steins’ dedication, “along with that of steadfast supporters and returning presenting sponsors Bobbie Nau, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees are without a doubt a reflection of true philanthropists,” gushed a rep for event organizers. “This year, Edna Meyer-Nelson stepped up as our dinner sponsor, and the Royal Sonesta pulled out all the stops.”

TV personality Courtney Zavala served as emcee. Other presenters and special guests included Association President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton, newly appointed Fire Chief Tom Munoz and Mayor John Whitmire. Other VIPs were spotted in the crowd, like Dawn Buckingham, Gary Petersen, Alicia and Lance Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Patti and Don Murphy, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion, Cheryl and Bill King, Beth Muecke, Van & David Greenberg, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, and Donae Chramosta.

Donae Charmosta, Paulina Padilla and Stacey Lindseth (Photo By Catchlight Group)

Firefighting hunks aplenty!

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees (Photo By Catchlight Group)

Kirk Kveton, Daniel Irion, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin (Photo By Catchlight Group)

Marty Lancton, Mayor John Whitmire and Fire Chief Tom Munoz (Photo By Catchlight Group)

Elizabeth Stein, Denise Monteleone and Laura Elizabeth Stein (Photo By Catchlight Group)

Mr. March (Photo By Catchlight Group)

Jared Jinkerson, Jeff Gremillion, and Alicia and Lance Smith (Photo By Catchlight Group)

Ashley Gibson and Michael Vanderhider (Photo By Catchlight Group)

Party People
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gold high-low tulle mini dress, $698, by Chloe Dao, with diamond-and-pearl necklace, diamond earrings, diamond-flower bracelet, and diamond rings, all vintage Buccellati, and Macri cuff bracelets, from $32,000, by Buccellati, all at Tenenbaum Jewelers.

IN THE WARM glow of the holidays, festive frocks, elegant resort looks and baubles from Houston’s finest jewelers take on a regal new light.

Keep ReadingShow less
Style

David Cordua

FOODIES WITH BIG hearts were in heaven at the annual Signature Chefs restaurants expo and fundraising dinner benefitting the March of Dimes. Held at The Revaire and chaired by Kristen J. Cannon and Mignon Gill, the event took in some $425,000 in support of healthier mothers and children.

Keep ReadingShow less