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
Top Realtor Beth Wolff Says Her Career Took Off ‘When I Focused on Others’
How did you get where you are today? “Life is what happens while you’re making plans.” After graduating with a BBA from the University of Texas, I married, and was a stay-at-home mom. Divorcing when my children were just four and six, I became their sole supporter, and I chose real estate for the time flexibility and income potential. After four years working for another Broker, I founded my own company with one sales associate and 375 square feet. Little did I imagine this journey. Houston offers amazing opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and persevere! I have watched the city mature with the addition of all the wonderful, talented people from around the country and around the world who have made Houston their home. It was once said that Houston had a “can do, cowboy capitalism attitude.”
Keep Reading Show less

IT’S A MILESTONE year for Houston PetSet, a local nonprofit organization working to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis. The much-needed organization will celebrate 20 years of advocating for the animals of Houston with its biggest Fierce & Fabulous Soirée yet!

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Hungry's Tanglewood

THE SUMMER RESTAURANT scene has been hot, hot, hot — and August is, unsurprisingly, no exception. Favorite cafes are rapidly expanding, while others are staying put — but giving their menus a mega overhaul. Read on for this week's most delicious food news!

Keep Reading Show less
Food