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
Chapman & Kirby Launches Free Concert Series for Spring

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)

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WHAT TO DO when a beautiful botanical garden is overgrown with green briars, poison ivy, ragweed, and other undesirable plant species that prevent the growth of new trees? Call in the goats! Specifically, about 120 super cute goats from Rent-a-Ruminant Texas, who return to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center on Monday, May 20, to partake in a week-long banquet of invasive vegetation, effectively clearing three acres south of the meadow between the South Meadow Trail and the Muscadine Trail along the Outer Loop.

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People + Places

John and Carly Whitehurst and Claudia and Brad Freels

THE FIRST-EVER Wish Ball was held at The Post Oak Hotel this month, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter.

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Parties