parties

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

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