parties

Mixing Heartstrings with Heartthrobs, Firefighters’ ‘Red Hot Gala’ Heats Up Again!

Mixing Heartstrings with Heartthrobs, Firefighters’ ‘Red Hot Gala’ Heats Up Again!

2024 Mr. Steptember

FOR THE SIXTH year, the Red Hot Gala, in support of Houston firefighters was a huge success, with a mixture of heartstrings and heartthrobs!

Raising more than $750,000, the event took place at the Royal Sonesta and drew a fun crowd, the largest group to date for the fundraiser. Alan and Elizabeth Stein, founders of the event, served as chairs.

“We can declare this is our biggest year yet and we are still counting,” said a rep for the event’s organizers.

Per the Steins: “With the community’s support, we have continued to raise money, purchase equipment, provide additional training, and address the needs of firefighters and their families facing extraordinary hardships. With your support, we have raised more than $4 million in six years.”

As ever, the most memorable moment of the night came when the firefighters featured in the new hunky-firemen calendar strutted the stage, bare pecs glistening under spotlights thanks to a fresh coat of baby oil!

But there were touching moments, too, as in the opening presentation of the flags by the Houston Firefighter Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums, followed by firefighter Joe Rice’s stirring acapella rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner acapella. Also, videos were played highlighting the first responders’ dangerous, life-saving work. And Hallie Vanderhider and Bobbie Nau were honored for their longstanding support of the Red Hot mission.

Auction items included a fabulous necklace from IW Marks and a stay at a villa in Puerto Vallarta. As ever, a raucous country band played at both the cocktail hour before dinner and again after — a unique Red Hot touch. The shirtless hunks milling around, happily posing for pics, was also notable.

VIP guests included Brigitte Kalai, Van and David Greenberg, Bill Baldwin, Fady Armanious, Patti and Don Murphy, Beth Muecke, mayoral candidate John Whitmire, Robin and Alex Brennan-Martin, Frances and Tony Buzbee, Gary Petersen, Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Joanna Marks.


Alex Ochoa, Julie Chen, and Joanna Marks

Cheryl & Bill King

Ben Berg

Dee Darby, Elizabeth Stein, Laura Elizabeth Stein, and Scarlett Tyler

Bobbie Nau & Sr. Captain Robert Clark

Gaye Lynn & Stuart Zarrow

Maria Bassa & Beth Muecke

2024 Mr. January

Lesha & Tom Elsenbrook with Elyse & Drew Tolson

Marty Lancton and Hallie Vanderhider

Nellie & Lux K-9 AFT Arson Dogs

Tammy & Kim Norman

Maria Moncada Alaoui & Captain Christopher Garcia

From Your Site Articles
People + Places
promoted

Introducing Dina Owner of Eyelashes by Dina

Introducing Dina Owner of Eyelashes by Dina

STEP INTO A world of luxury with Dina, the visionary owner of Eyelashes by Dina, nestled in the prestigious Saint James Place. Embrace the artistry of bespoke lash extensions, meticulously tailored to meet your every desire. With a decade of industry expertise, Dina elevates the lash game to an unparalleled level of sophistication. Discover a serene and elegant oasis, where every lash experience is a masterpiece. Indulge in the refinement of luxury, only at Eyelashes by Dina.

Keep Reading Show less
food

Októ Joins Mi Luna and Marmo as Hot Spots at Mediterranean-Marvelous Montrose Collective

Paella Valenciana at Mi Luna

THOUGH IT'S BEEN in Houston less than a decade, Sof Hospitality has made major inroads with foodies and critics alike. Its concepts include Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa and Badolina Bakery, all of which deliver the rich flavors of Israeli cuisine in complex, photogenic and delicious dishes. Its newest, Októ, opened earlier this year, one of several energetic restaurants to bow in the Montrose Collective, just in time for the holidays.

Keep Reading Show less
Food
art

Five Fabulously Diverse Exhibits Are Arriving at Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Bill Viola’s ‘Ascension,’ on display as part of ‘Living with the Gods’ at MFAH

THE ARTIST WHO ushered in the expressionist movement in the early 20th century was not, in fact, Picasso or Matisse. It was Paul Gauguin, whose career spanned the decades just preceding the turn of the century. The French painter is the subject of the Museum of Fine Arts’ latest exhibit, Gauguin in the World, which was organized by Henri Loyrette (formerly of the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, Paris). The show, just one of the museum’s diverse winter season shows, debuted in Australia in June and will be on display through Feb. 16, 2025, at the MFAH, the only U.S. venue for the survey.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment