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
Propose in Style at The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District

Photo by Stephen Mendoza Photography

SEEKING TO MAKE your proposal as beautiful and bright as your love? Look no further than The Westin Houston Medical Center, a haven of contemporary sophistication, where love stories unfold amidst exquisite surroundings.

Keep Reading Show less

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 Reading Show less

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 Reading Show less