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
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Karen Imas (Photo by Lynn Lane)