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    Gunfire In River Oaks

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

    Shelby Hodge
    Oct 29, 2013 | 4:29 pm

    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.

    Gary Becker and Kellie Letsos at the True Blue Gala.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com
    Gary Becker and Kellie Letsos at the True Blue Gala.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Chic in Overdrive

    Fast lane fashion fuels $1.1 million for Houston's Salvation Army

    Joel Luks
    May 13, 2025 | 1:30 pm
    Salvation Army Fashion in the Fast Lane 2025
    Photo by Jenny Antill
    Gaby Valencia, Thamer Kay McGee, Payton Wallace, Logan Tafelski, and Helen Winchell.

    Fashion took the fast track to fabulous as more than 400 stylish Houstonians zipped into River Oaks Country Club for the 21st anniversary of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary's beloved fundraising event. Themed Fashion in the Fast Lane, this sold-out soiree celebrated the sweet spot where timeless style meets high-speed flair, all while raising $1.1 million for community programs.

    Spearheaded by chair Ann Ayre, the day revved up with a bustling shopping experience and a lively luncheon.

    The theme perfectly captured the dual spirit of elegance and momentum, with a nod to both haute couture and horsepower. Fashionistas buzzed over racks laden with treasures at the Chic Boutique, masterminded by co-chairs Alison Gemp and Melanie Jarrell, while the Chic Boutique Showroom, curated by co-chairs Stick Delaup and Maura Montgomery, showcased designer dreams from Valentino to Chanel, Oscar de la Renta to Loewe.

    Donae Chramosta, this year's fashion chair, ensured every hanger and handbag sparkled with style cred, while silent auction chair Jean Peck kept bids racing faster than a Formula 1 finish line. From Cinq A Sept dresses to Alice and Olivia separates, attendees were spoiled with choices that blended luxury with philanthropy.

    The event also honored a driving force in Houston’s charitable scene: Hannah McNair, VP of the Houston Texans Foundation. A dedicated community champion, McNair has helped steer initiatives like the Girls Flag Football Program, expanding opportunities for young athletes across the city. Her philanthropic engine runs deep. After all, her mother-in-law, Janice McNair, was the 2014 honoree, making Hannah's moment in the spotlight a full-circle celebration.

    Following the luncheon, guests enjoyed exclusive early access to the Chic Boutique Showroom's four-day fashion extravaganza, where "pre-loved" designer gems waited for new closets to call home. Shopping never felt so righteous.

    Among those spotted cruising the stylish scene were Major Robert Webb, Major Carolynn Webb, Lt. Colonel Ann Penhale, Cal McNair, Sippi Khurana, Brigitte Kalai, Sidney Faust, Jane Wise, Cherie Lindley, Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, Melissa Sandefer, Jana Arnoldly, Ginger Blanton, Susan Binney, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Sandra Smith-Cooper, Joanna Marks, Cynthia Petrello, Amanda Boffone, Jennifer Allison, Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, Maureen Higdon, Joan Johnson, Stacey Lindseth, Kathryn Smith, and Elizabeth Abraham Colombowala.

    Salvation Army Fashion in the Fast Lane 2025
      

    Photo by Jenny Antill

    Gaby Valencia, Thamer Kay McGee, Payton Wallace, Logan Tafelski, and Helen Winchell.

    fundraiserssalvation army
    news/society
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