Celeb Lookalikes and Supper-Club Vibes Among Highlights of 35th Annual Pearl Ball, Raising Funds for Nurses

Daniel Ortiz
Celeb Lookalikes and Supper-Club Vibes Among Highlights of 35th Annual Pearl Ball, Raising Funds for Nurses

Ernie and Stephanie Cockrell, Kristen Berger and Jeremy Finkelstein

THE 35TH ANNUAL Pearl Ball, benefiting the Good Samaritan Foundation, celebrated aspiring nurses with a Rat Pack-approved party at River Oaks Country Club.


After a cocktail party featuring a roaming Marilyn Monroe lookalike, who posed for plenty of photos, hundreds of guests — including several members of the Fertitta family, as well as Aaron and Victoria Bludorn, among others — filed into the ballroom. Here, the sounds of smooth live jazz played as folks found their seats; an Italian feast was served.

The program included a tribute to Susie and Mel Glasscock, longtime Good Samaritan Foundation supporters, as well as the group's former executive director, Melissa King. At one point, all attendees who had ever been involved in nursing were asked to stand and be recognized.

Then the Rat Pack Playoff, led by Frank Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey, took to the stage, and partygoers couldn't resist boogying down to iconic tunes culminating in a crowd singalong to "New York, New York."

This year's Pearl Ball brought in double the funds compared to last year's event.

Blake Fertitta, Jonas Fertitta, Robert Bernard, Patrick Fertitta and Marshall Henry

Virginia and William McMullen

Caroline Fertitta, Mary Fertitta and Nicole Fertitta

Susie Glasscock, Susan Bell and Maurice Bass

David and Maria Arana, Erika and Jack Nadal

Eddy and Kelli Blanton

Scott and Allison Brooks, Gabriela and Roberto Casal

Kim Abraham, Shelly Brody, Carmelita Prokopiou and Zachary Carson

Frank Sinatra tribute artist Bryan Duprey

Jamie Duprey (as Marilyn Monroe) and Dana Caledonia

Karen and Kevin Henry

Charlie and Randa Williams

Event co-chairs Jason and Courtney Fertitta, and Warren and Lauren Harris

Parties

JD Adamson & Tony Gibson, Realtors®️ at Douglas Elliman Real Estate

WHAT IS THE secret to a successful real estate business? Clear communication, reconciling requirements with desires, and preemptively managing expectations are paramount to a win-win deal. There is an art to predicting clients’ wants before they do; deep listening is a key ingredient. Behind-the-scenes efforts often mitigate client anxiety levels more than outward actions — avoid an urge to wear the hustle like a badge. It’s okay to work harder than it appears you do. They don’t have to see you sweat. Keep egos in check and empathy levels high. Make room for openness. Do business with friends and protect their money. The deck is stacked in our client’s favor when objectives are clear and goals are stated. A compromise is not a defeat; it is an elegant solution. Always aim for a win-win deal; if that isn’t viable, you must win.

Keep Reading Show less

Bianca Bucaram, Founder and President of The Bucaram PR Group

BIANCA BUCARAM, THE the founder and president of The Bucaram PR Group, is a powerful force in today’s public relations industry. She’s passionate about telling peoples’ stories, fostering business opportunities and garnering regional, national and global connections for her clientele.

Keep Reading Show less