Gunfire In River Oaks

The "safest backyard in America" erupts in gunfire, explosions as Mayor Parker and police chief dine

It almost never happens that the tranquil and highly-secured neighborhood of River Oaks encounters a blast of gunshots, bombs exploding and scores of police on the move — except that one night each fall when Paige and Tilman Fertitta open the expansive grounds of their home for the Houston Police Foundation "True Blue" fundraiser. And that explains the hullabaloo that had River Oaks residents, at least temporarily, on edge last week.

Dozens of police cruisers with light bars and headlights flashing blindingly lined Willowick, pointing the way for the 650 guests that swarmed over the Fertitta backyard for the outdoor soiree that each year delivers an edgy police demonstration. The glamorous, resort-style surroundings were juxtaposed once again with the presence of 100 armed policemen including those from the K9 detail, the bomb squad, the dive team and the mounted patrol.

"The mayor does a good job of giving us what we need. But there are some things that would be nice to have."

Seated at the table where honoree Mayor Annise Parker and Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland took it all in, one dinner guest remarked, "This has to be the safest backyard in the nation." Indeed. That was until the serene setting was disrupted by the staged burglary as it erupted with gun fire (blanks), bombs, police dogs, lots of shouting, a perp in the pool and choppers overhead.

It was all in good fun on the evening that raised $650,000 for the Houston Police Foundation, which fills in HPD needs where city dollars might fall short. So it was no small thanks delivered by the mayor, the chief and party host Tilman, who chairs the foundation board. "The mayor does a good job of giving us what we need," McClelland told the gathering. "But there are some things that would be nice to have."

Tilman pulled out the stops for this event, raising it back up to previous year's standards with elegant decor and endless servings of amazing fare — representing the best of the Landry's — served generously from buffet tables. The Tex-Mex from Cadillac Bar had guests swooning as did the grilled lobster, the boiled shrimp and all the other remarkable plates, not to mention the flowing margaritas and the generous wine pours.

Channel 13 news anchor Dave Ward emceed the evening for which entertainment included the lively sounds of David Caceres.

Among supporters who could try their shot with Taser guns, test their alcohol consumption in the DWI van, inspect SWAT team weapons and the like were Edna Meyer-Nelson, Hannah and Cal McNair, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Alice and Keith Mosing, Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout, Ilene Allen and Doug Vrooman, Ellie and Michael Francisco, Wayne Smith and Denny Lyons and Gary Becker and Kellie Letsos.

Police capture a "robbery suspect" at the Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala.

Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com

Police capture a "robbery suspect" at the Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala.

unspecified

Safety First

Houston spirit shines as Crime Stoppers gala raises $2 million

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Event and strategy chairs Vanessa Ames, Kristen Collins, Dana Barton, Brooke Lee, and Jordan Seff.

Big hats met big-hearted giving at The Revaire as Crime Stoppers of Houston hosted its Second Annual “Raise ’Em Up for Texas” Gala, presented by Glenda and Russell Gordy and the C. James and Carole Walter Looke Family Fund

The evening unfolded like a Texas-sized toast guided by gala chairs Brooke Lee, Dana Barton, and Kristen Collins, and lifted further by strategic chairs Vanessa Ames and Jordan Seff.

More than 460 guests filled the sprawling venue, welcomed first by a festive happy hour and a bustling silent auction. Master of ceremonies Johnny Bravo kicked things into gear as guests settled in, followed by remarks from Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious, who championed the crowd’s shared commitment to keeping Houston safe.

Speaker Maurine Molak, co-founder of the David’s Legacy Foundation shared the story of her son, whose life was cut short at 16 after enduring relentless cyberbullying. She illuminated the gap in resources available to families at the time and the sweeping efforts that eventually led to David’s Law. Her partnership with Crime Stoppers through The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Million for Million campaign has already reached more than two million students, continuing David’s legacy by empowering young Texans to seek safety, support, and hope.

A surprise presentation of the Second McIngvale Family Humanitarian Award honored Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown of Southern Smoke Foundation for their community-wide compassion. Accepting on their behalf was Catarina Bill.

Then came a major announcement: The creation of a new Crime Stoppers Women’s Collective, a group of 50 women stepping into a leadership role for 2026, along with an ambitious push to educate 10 million Texas students and the launch of SafeSpace Student Hub, a digital platform designed to give students a confidential place to seek guidance.

Nobody’s Fool closed out the night with plenty of two-stepping as supporters lingered, celebrating a mission-driven evening that raised a record-breaking $2 million.

Showing up in full Texas spirit were Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Hallie Vanderhider, Sippy and Ajay Khurana, Tom Ramsey, Noe Diaz, Ben Katrib, Twila Carter, Willie Davis, Fred Flickinger, Mary Nan Huffman, Julian Ramirez, Alan Rosen, Terry Allbritton, Emily DeToto, Lori DeAngelo, Peyton Peebles, Aaron Burdette, Lance Long, Dan Simons, Carolyn Dozier, Ken Wise, Tiffany Herd, Eric and Lisa Elder, Alex and Tammy Janos, Kari Lynd, Natalie and Steve Mohtashami, Kyle and Erin Cummings, Snehal Amin and Adrienne Amin, Jessica Leeke, Carla and Tony Maarraoui, Karen and Lohn Zylicz, Frank and Jill Stagg, Robert and Dana Clay, Catherine and Peter Badger, Pam Connealy, Mayes and Macy Middleton, Megan and Walker Weston, Meredith and Ben Marshall, Seth and Hannah Siegel-Gardner, Anna Reger, Sheri Zucker, Trini Mendenhall, Phillip Royalty, Jeff Nadalo, Farida Abjani, Maria Moncada Alaoui and Omar Alaoui, Susan Boggio, Deborah Duncan, and Laura Ward.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Event and strategy chairs Vanessa Ames, Kristen Collins, Dana Barton, Brooke Lee, and Jordan Seff.

fundraisers crime stoppers houston