Despite Last-Minute Venue Change, Fertitta’s ‘True Blue’ Gala Smashes Fundraising Records

Dave Rossman
Despite Last-Minute Venue Change, Fertitta’s ‘True Blue’ Gala Smashes Fundraising Records

Tilman Fertitta, Senator John Whitmire and HPD Chief Troy Finner

A LITTLE RAIN has never stopped Houston from having a good time — or partying for a cause. A pop-up thunderstorm deterred plans for a backyard bash at the Fertitta family residence, but Tilman and Richard Flowers swiftly and successfully transported the annual Houston Police Foundation’s True Blue Gala to the ballroom of the Post Oak Hotel.


Food stations from plenty of Landry’s restaurants were placed around the room, while floral creations, swaths from fabric and fabulous lighting cemented the “blue” theme. Guests got an opportunity to participate in drills like taser-weapon target demos, and gave a few K-9 crime-fighters some love.

Dramatic and inspirational body-cam footage was streamed dring the program, which also included the 14th-annual event’s first-ever live auction, and a performance by George Strait cover band the Brent Bunson Band.

The sold-out gala’s total till topped $1.6 million, which will directly fund equipment — including two fully loaded SWAT armored trucks — and training for HPD.

Autumn and Thomas Hardin with Tissy and Rusty Hardin

Sheridan Williams, Dancie Ware and Anne Muntz

Anita Sehgal, Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Kristina Somerville and Reagan Bauer

Senator John Whitmire and Constable Alan Rosen

Alice and Keith Mosing

Mike and Laura Baches

Scott Nelson, Mark Arnold, Corrine Davis and Rob Davis

Scott and KK West

Jeff and Courtney Butler

Debra and Tom Perich

Blake Fertitta, Blayne Fertitta and Commander Ron Borza

HPD’s Justin Ferguson with Rip

Bryce Kennard and Tracey Ferguson

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

Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt

A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less