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.
Tilman Fertitta, from left, Blayne Fertitta, Paige Fertitta and Blake Fertitta at the Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala.
Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com
Tilman Fertitta, from left, Blayne Fertitta, Paige Fertitta and Blake Fertitta at the Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala.
