Event Date: November 1, 2024
Event: Gala
Beneficiary: Houston Police Foundation
No. in attendance: 600
Money raised: $1,100,000
Chairpersons: Tilman Fertitta and Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz
Dinner Chair: Laura Ward
Décor: The Events Company
Cuisine: The Post Oak Hotel, McCormick & Schmick’s, Cadillac Bar, La Griglia, Willie G’s, The Palm and Saltgrass Steak House
A “Fiesta Fantastico” $1.1 Million Evening for Houston Police Foundation 16th Annual True Blue Gala
Over 600 Houstonians “salsa’d” their way into a “Fiesta Fantastico” as the Tilman Fertitta Family Residence hosted the 16th annual Houston Police Foundation “True Blue” Gala in their posh River Oaks backyard underneath a tent! Chairs Tilman Fertitta and Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, along with Dinner Chair Laura Ward and Executive Director Charlene Floyd welcomed the blue-jean-decked crowd to the comfortable outdoor surroundings where all celebrated the $1.1 million raised to fund the new firearms training facility, which will offer 25 shooting lanes to help train the city’s police officers.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by strolling mariachi bands and, during the evening, gleefully participated in live training elements with several of HPD’s elite units, including live taser demonstrations with targets, shooting arcade with SWAT, K-9 training with “Nate” and demos from the Bomb Squad, DWI Task Force, Missing Persons Unit and interacted with the department’s robotic K-9, nicknamed “SPOT,” who roamed throughout the event taking pictures with the attendees.
Richard Flowers and The Events Company created a perfect aire libre (open air) dining atmosphere, and for dinner, Landrys Restaurants, including The Post Oak Hotel, McCormick & Schmick’s, Cadillac Bar, La Griglia, Willie G’s, The Palm and Saltgrass Steak House served a banquete (feast) of different offerings, including Shrimp Ceviche, Whole Mahi sides, Octopus Ceviche, Wagyu Pastels, Sugarcane Shrimp, Tres Leches, Pumpkin Flan, and Mexican Chocolate Cake! Delicioso!
During the fun-filled festivities, speakers included Chairman of the Board Tilman Fertitta, Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, Mayor John Whitmire, and Dinner Chair Laura Ward. They all spoke about the amazing work of our city’s police department and its officers, who lay their lives on the line every day to keep us safe!
A breathtaking 20-minute fireworks display left everyone in awe as the gala drew to its close! A “True Blue” gala was a “True Blue” Success!
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Lauren Fertitta, Blake Fertitta, Patrick Fertitta, Paige Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Alice and Keith Mosing, Kristina and Paul Somerville, John Johnson, Gary Petersen, Jack and Kristin Fusco, Monica and Russell Ybarra, Patrick Henry, Rusty and Tissy Hardin, Fire Chief Thomas Munoz, Jim Crane, Brett, Laura and Don Sanders, Kris and Gerry Del Prete
