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
Fall Philanthropy Report: Spindletop Community Impact Partners Engages and Supports At-Risk Youth

The 50th Annual Spindletop Holiday Ball, Seas and Greetings, will be held on Thursday, December 12. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are available now.

What is your mission? Spindletop Community Impact Partners, Inc. enhances the lives of at-risk youth through funding and volunteering from the energy industry, while promoting fellowship and networking among its participants.

Keep Reading Show less

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn, and David Guion

VITA LIVING WELCOMED over 300 guests to its annual Pearls of Wisdom Fiesta at the River Oaks Country Club. This year’s dinner — themed Una Notte Italianaraised more than $207,000 in support of lifelong care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Derrick Shore, Tom Mays and Owen Conflenti (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

THE ALWAYS MEMORABLE Alley Theatre ball took on special significance this year, becoming not just a sexy Post Oak Hotel soiree — with “A Buenos Aires Affair” as the theme, nodding to the company’s production of Noël Coward’s Private Lives — but also an emotional sendoff to retiring longtime Managing Director Dean Gladden. It raised $1.3 million to boot.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture