With Houston police officers chasing zombies, a Michael Jackson impersonator, and reality cameras rolling, Paige and Tilman Fertitta welcomed more than 700 Houstonians to their home for the ninth annual Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala.
With the HPD Foundation as the beneficiary of the evening — money raised funds special programs, officer safety, training, equipment, and new technology, none of which would be feasible under the city budget — it’s no surprise that this was not your average gala.
The action-packed evening, themed “The Apocalypse Begins” and held in the backyard of the Fertitta’s River Oaks abode, started with cocktails including Moscow Mules in three different flavors, served in take-home copper cups. Delicious fare, from lobster grilled on the half shell to short ribs and a dessert bar complete with gelato and an assortment of sweets, was provided by Landry’s, Inc.
Kicking off the entertainment, the HPD Air Support made the rounds chasing down a group of zombies, who attempted to overrun the party. Guests, wearing HPD blue and blue jeans, were also entertained by a Michael Jackson impersonator who performed several the late pop star’s greatest hits including “Thriller” and “Beat It.”
Throughout the night, partygoers participated in interactive training elements and high-risk drills such as taser weapon target demonstration and a shoot house simulation.
Meanwhile, CNBC cameras rolled capturing scenes for season two of Tilman Fertitta’s show, Billion Dollar Buyer, the second season of which airs Tuesday, November 22, on the cable channel.
The sold-out gala concluded with a bang as a phenomenal fireworks finale illuminated the sky marking a successful event that raised more than $700,000 for the Houston Police Department.
The crowd included Interim Houston Police Chief Martha Montalvo, Mayor Sylvester Turner, State Senator John Whitmire, dinner chair Laura Ward and husband Dave Ward, who served as the night’s master of ceremonies, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Don and Laura Sanders, Alice and Keith Mosing, JoLynn and Gregg Falgout, Jim Crane and Whitney Wheeler, Danielle and Lawrence Berry, Twilla Cater, Joni Baird, Laura and Bob Beauchamp, Dancie Ware, Hannah and Cal McNair, and Tissy and Rusty Hardin.
Also celebrating the evening were Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochessett and wife Brenda, Maria and Neal Bush, Brenda Stardig, Mike Sullivan, Michael Fertitta, Blake Fertitta, Pam and Bill Nelson, Amy and Ray Hunt, June and Pete Trammell, Susie and Robert Kneppler, Stacy and Jason Johnson, Tadd Tellepsen, Blake Tartt, Kathy and Ted Zweig, Elizabeth and Andy Brock, Yanira and David Huntington, Sunny and Mac Haik, Tammy and Harold Reese, Daphne and Randy Curry, Carol and Tom Sawyer, Rania and Ramy Mankarious, Tina and Dave Strickland, Renee and Alan Helfman, Joe Van Matre, Garry Plotkin, Hilary Rosenstein and Blake Helfman, and Stuart Rosenberg.
SWAT arrived on the scene and took out the zombies.
