Event Date: October 7, 2023
Location: Royal Sonesta
Event: Gala
Beneficiaries: Houston Professional Firefighters Charitable Foundation (HPFFA Charitable Foundation)
No. in attendance: 455
Money Raised: $750,000
Chairpersons: Elizabeth and Alan Stein
Honoree: Ben Berg and Berg Hospitality
Presenting Sponsors: Hallie Vanderhider, Bobbie Nau and Sonic Automotive
Emcees: Marty Lancton and Joel Eisenbaum
Photography: Catch Light Group and Daniel Ortiz
Sixth Annual HPFFA Charitable Foundation “Red Hot” Gala Had a Packed Crowd “On Fire!” For a Record Night!
With over $4 million raised in their six years of fundraising, the Houston Professional Firefighters Charitable Foundation (HPFFA Charitable Foundation), and especially chairs Elizabeth and Alan Stein, can boast proudly of their efforts to purchase equipment, provide additional training, and address the needs of firefighters and their families facing extraordinary hardships.
The success of the “Red Hot” gala is multi-layered with poignant moments such as the presentation of the flags by the Houston Firefighter Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums, Firefighter Joe Rice singing the National Anthem a capella, excitement created by shirtless Houston Firefighter Calendar participants walking the stage while the ladies swooned, greeting the ATF K-9 pets, and so much more.
Adding to this gala’s triumph and its coffers are its Presenting Sponsors. Hallie Vanderhider lent her support for the fifth year, as did Bobbie Nau for her fourth year. A new third Presenting Sponsor joining the group was Sonic Automotive. Their representative, Maria Moncada Alaoui, was on hand to receive grateful applause. Receiving honoree bows was restaurateur Ben Berg and Berg Hospitality.
Emcees Marty Lancton, HPFFA President, and KPRC’s Joel Eisenbaum kept the energy high all evening. They joyfully recognized volunteers Dee Darby, Scarlett Darby, Betty DuBose, Laura Elizabeth Stein, and Casey Mitchell. Laura was also congratulated for her countless hours of work at Local 341.
The live auction brought a fever pitch to the after-dinner festivities. Joanna Marks proudly walked the runway wearing the IW Marks Mattia Cielo Necklace, which sold quickly! It was followed by Ben Berg’s generous donation to his new restaurant Benny Chows, a villa stay in Puerto Vallarta, and two United Airlines round-trip Polaris tickets to any UA destination!
The evening ended for some, but for many, the “After Party” just began, as entertainment by “Western Jelly” had guests on their feet. The “Red Hot” Firefighter Calendar guys stayed to autograph their calendars and take selfies with the guests. The Big Boards kept things lively as people placed their final bids. After the heat began to cool down, the total raised by the crowd of 455 was over $750,000, a searing hot record for this fundraiser and a memorable Saturday night for everyone!
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Shantell & Brian Wischnewsky, Brigitte Kalai, Van & David Greenberg, Julie & Michael Chen, DeeDee & Wallis Marsh, Jo Ann Petersen & Mike Taylor, Gaye Lynn & Stuart Zarrow, Dee & James Darby, Bobby Dees, Omar Alaoui, Patti & Don Murphy, Beth Muecke, Senator John Whitmire, Robin & Alex Brennan-Martin, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Monica & Russell Ybarra, Gary Petersen, Allison & Jack Jensen, Elizabeth & Roger Fulghum, Lesha & Tom Elsenbrook, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Scott & Laura Williams, Jack Christie, Youval & Michele Meicler, Joanna Marks, Jacob Stein & Lynden Unger, Emily & Tug Hanley, Heather McKeon, Price DuBose
