Big Bucks and Shirtless Hunks! It Must Be the Annual Red-Hot Gala for Firefighters!

Big Bucks and Shirtless Hunks! It Must Be the Annual Red-Hot Gala for Firefighters!

Mr. December, Kyle Collins

IN ITS FOURTH year, the "Red-Hot" gala — as noted for its stylish crowd of VIPs and emotional program honoring the city's heroes as for its shirtless hunky firemen steaming up the stage as part of the entertainment — took in a record-breaking $540,000, bringing the four-year total to just under $2 million for much needed equipment, training and support for firefighters in Houston.


Elizabeth and Alan Stein, founders of the gala, served as chairs. They joined honorary chairs Joanna and Brad Marks in welcoming more than 400 guests to the Royal Sonesta, where the evening's program began with a rousing National Anthem by firefighter Joe Rice and also included bagpipe serenades and a moving homage to firefighters who fell in the line of duty this year.

Special recognition was given to some of Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable's biggest supporters, including Bobbie Nau, Hallie Vanderhider, Susan and Fayez Sarofim and Janice McNair. Auction items included IW Marks' pink sapphire and diamond earrings, which brought in $10,500.

Other highlights included the hotties of the 2022 Houston Firefighter Calendar, who flexed bare biceps and showed off sexy six-packs to promote the fundraiser, which supports the Burned Children's Fund. Guest were thrilled to mingle with the hunks after dinner, when The Guzzlers band took the stage for the late-night crowd.

Spotted in the crowd: David Greenburg, Bill King, Gary Petersen, Patti and Don Murphy and Neiman Marcus' Chris Hendel.

Patti and Don Murphy

Elizabeth Stein and Hallie Vanderhider

Tori and Ed DeCora

Laura Stein, Ashley Plaeger, Price DuDose

Joanna and Brad Marks

Karyn & Tim Kelly, with Lux Kelly

Louis Tronzo, Jenna Lindley & Fady Armanious

Parties
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

EVEN THOUGH WE hope things cool down outside, some folks in Houston are about to get even hotter with the arrival of trendy fitness studio Ritual One next month in Uptown Park. The Dallas-based concept will offer classes like Power Sculpt, Hot Pilates, Power Yoga, Inferno Flow, and Inferno HIIT — all taking place in its infrared-heated studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Evan and Kate Elsenbrook and Elyse and Drew Tolson

SUPPORTERS OF RONALD McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston gathered for a whimsically fun fete at the Hilton Americas hotel. The 2024 Boo Ball was themed "Once Upon a Time," and it raised a true happily-ever-after amount of $1 million — a new record!

Keep Reading Show less
Parties