A “Burning Bright” 8th Annual “Red Hot” HPFFA Gala Lights the Way for Houston’s Firefighters

A “Burning Bright” 8th Annual “Red Hot” HPFFA Gala Lights the Way for Houston’s Firefighters

More than 450 charitable souls gathered to honor and support Houston’s brave firefighters at the “Red Hot” Houston Professional Firefighters Association (HPFFA) Gala, this year themed “Burning Bright.” For the eighth time, gala chairs Elizabeth and Alan Stein were front and center to ring the bell with Presenting Sponsors ExxonMobil, Bobbie Nau, Hallie Vanderhider & Bobby Dees and two-time Dinner Sponsor Edna Meyer-Nelson.  Taking a fifth-time bow as the Honoree was United Airlines.

The event décor team at Let It Fly created a 12-foot faux bronze firefighter sculpture that had guests in awe as they arrived. The ballroom was beautifully decorated with hues of red, black, white and mixed floral centerpieces. The pre-event reception allowed guests to meander through the room and bid on more than 120 auction packages.

As is tradition, the gala evening began with the flag presentation by the Houston Firefighter Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums. Firefighter Joe Rice returned to the event and performed the Star-Spangled Banner in a capella fashion. The program began with lively and engaging emcees Courtney Zavala and HPFFA President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton, who brought the delightful chairs to the stage to receive their accolades.

The Steins received their own personalized firefighter jackets and walked the runway to a round of loud applause. Marty Lancton then presented them with their own personalized Neon Axe Sign. Elizabeth Stein presented Dee Darby, Scarlett Darby Tyler, Betty DuBose, Laura Stein, Casey Mitchell and Melissa Housser with a floral arrangement and some words of undying gratitude for their many hours of support to the foundation.

Each year, the highlight and “hottest” part of the evening showcases the 2026 Houston Firefighter Calendar, which stole the show as they walked the runway, flexing their biceps and community spirit, while the women (and a few men) took out their fans to cool off! The annual Calendar supports the organization’s Charitable Foundation and the Burned Children’s Fund.

The evening ended with a heartfelt video narrated by Laura Stein, followed by a Live Auction that set a record for raising funds for a Steak 48 dinner, two United Airlines round-trip tickets, a Snowmass Adventure, and a private dinner at the upcoming Private Club called 55 Seventy, along with Big Board, Tenenbaum Jewelers raffle drawings, a Firefighter Calendar autograph session and an “After Party.”

All in all, another “Red Hot” night which “Burned Bright” all night long for a wonderful organization, which showed that during an emergency call, every siren tells a story of courage, and behind each firefighter stands a family whose love and faith light the way home!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Hallie Vanderhider & Bobby Dees,  Pat Mann & Tim Phllips, Shantell & Brian Wischnewsky, Brigitte Kalai, Jo Ann Petersen & Mike Taylor, Gaye Lynn & Stuart Zarrow, Dee & James Darby, Alicia Smith, Wendall Braniff, Kimberly & David Dominy, Patti Murphy, Beth Muecke, Mayor John Whitmire, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Carol & Bill Lawler, Tori & Ed DeCora, Tim & Karyn Kelly & ATF Canine Lux,  Andrew & Jennifer Mailhes & ATF Canine Nellie, Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz, Commissioner Dawn Buckingham & Dr. Ed Buckingham, Texas State Representative Lacy Hull, George Dodge, Allison & Jack Jensen, Betty & Gerald Beathard, Tammy & Kim Norman, Betty & Daniel DuBose, Lesha & Tom Elsenbrook, Elyse Elsenbrook & Drew Tolson, Kate & Evan Elsenbrook, Michele & Youval Meicler, Joanna Marks, Lynden & Jacob Stein, Anna & John Reger, Clay & Jay McKenna, Price DuBose, Darrik Dillard, Randi & Chris Boleman, Farida Abjani, Rosemin Premji, Ashley Gibson & Michael Vanderhider, Bayli & Rob Dale, Meaghan & David Lefkowitz, Maryan Tinney & Jeff Turner, Scott Williams, Tony Bradfield & Marcus Fisher