Despite Last-Minute Venue Change, Fertitta’s ‘True Blue’ Gala Smashes Fundraising Records

Dave Rossman
Despite Last-Minute Venue Change, Fertitta’s ‘True Blue’ Gala Smashes Fundraising Records

Tilman Fertitta, Senator John Whitmire and HPD Chief Troy Finner

A LITTLE RAIN has never stopped Houston from having a good time — or partying for a cause. A pop-up thunderstorm deterred plans for a backyard bash at the Fertitta family residence, but Tilman and Richard Flowers swiftly and successfully transported the annual Houston Police Foundation’s True Blue Gala to the ballroom of the Post Oak Hotel.


Food stations from plenty of Landry’s restaurants were placed around the room, while floral creations, swaths from fabric and fabulous lighting cemented the “blue” theme. Guests got an opportunity to participate in drills like taser-weapon target demos, and gave a few K-9 crime-fighters some love.

Dramatic and inspirational body-cam footage was streamed dring the program, which also included the 14th-annual event’s first-ever live auction, and a performance by George Strait cover band the Brent Bunson Band.

The sold-out gala’s total till topped $1.6 million, which will directly fund equipment — including two fully loaded SWAT armored trucks — and training for HPD.

Autumn and Thomas Hardin with Tissy and Rusty Hardin

Sheridan Williams, Dancie Ware and Anne Muntz

Anita Sehgal, Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Kristina Somerville and Reagan Bauer

Senator John Whitmire and Constable Alan Rosen

Alice and Keith Mosing

Mike and Laura Baches

Scott Nelson, Mark Arnold, Corrine Davis and Rob Davis

Scott and KK West

Jeff and Courtney Butler

Debra and Tom Perich

Blake Fertitta, Blayne Fertitta and Commander Ron Borza

HPD’s Justin Ferguson with Rip

Bryce Kennard and Tracey Ferguson

Parties
Thrive & Inspire: Michelle Reyna Wymes Stresses Importance of ‘Continuing to Learn’

Michelle Reyna Wymes, Co-Owner of The Reyna Group

WHAT'S THE SECRET to running a successful business? It is so important to stay present every day. With the fast-paced patterns of today’s society and ever-evolving technologies, I stress to our agents how important it is to continue to learn. If one reaches a point at which the ego takes over or burnout sets in and progress takes a back seat, things will get stuck. Regardless of what field you are in, I believe in starting with the basics to set and strengthen your foundation. I treat everyone we work with from our contractors, clients, to our inspectors with respect, patience and care.

Keep ReadingShow less

Tim & Martha Pandajis

ONE OF HOUSTON'S most beloved music organizations — Mercury, whose mission is to serve the community by celebrating the power of music, teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence — raised a quarter-million bucks at its recent annual gala, which had a fun “Carnival of the Animals” theme.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties

McKinley and Murrah

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL’S comedic cantata Clori, Tirsi, e Fileno, subtitled Cor fedele in vano speri (“A faithful heart hopes in vain”), tells the story of two shepherds in love with a beautiful nymph. For Ars Lyrica Houston’s Mar. 26 performance of this Baroque “mini-opera,” audiences may be surprised by what is a very contemporary yet historically accurate casting decision: The nymph’s role (Clori) will be sung by countertenor Key’mon Murrah, and soprano Lauren Snouffer and contralto Cecelia McKinley will sing the roles of the love-struck shepherds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment