Gunfire, Fireworks and Mayhem

James Bond makes spectacular helicopter landing at billionaire's River Oaks mansion and all hell breaks loose

As is tradition at the annual Houston Police Foundation fundraiser, most often held on the grounds of billionaire Tilman Fertitta's River Oaks home, there is gunfire, a ruthless crime, bad guys, good guys and fireworks. And, yes, it was all in the script for Saturday night's record bash.

Just as the 850 supporters were digging into their grilled lobster, suckling pig and Tex-Mex fare from Landry's Inc., a helicopter soared overhead and landed as James Bond in white dinner jacket disembarked and headed for the party scene where he encountered various villains. The shenanigans went on as James Bond themes provided background music. After all, the theme was "License To Thrill, A True Blue Evening."

Guests tried their hand at the shooting range where they encountered M16 short nose rifles, Glock17s and MP40 submachine guns — blanks and soap bullets only.

Houston police — SWAT team and all — to the rescue with guns firing (blanks) and muscles in play. In setting the scene, let's just say that this was the safest venue in the country with dozens of police vehicles lining the streets, emergency lights flashing, and scores of police spread out across the vast acreage that slopes down to Buffalo Bayou.

In addition to dining under the stars, sup from the lavish buffet tables and sip from an abundance of liquid oases, guests tried their hand at the shooting range where they encountered M16 short nose rifles, Glock 17s and MP40 submachine guns — blanks and soap bullets only. They met police dogs, visited with officers (really sweet guys) and took advantage of photo opps with Bond girls in gilded bodysuits.

The evening, which honored Halliburton and CEO Dave Lesar, raised a record of more than $800,000 for much-needed equipment that is not in the HPD budget. As host Fertitta noted, 93 percent of the police budget goes to salary and benefits, leaving little for equipment and training. HPD chief Charles McClelland thanked the crowd for its support.

The night closed with a dazzling fireworks display choreographed to James Bond film theme songs.

It was a night to remember for guests who included dinner chair Laura Ward and emcee Dave Ward, foundation executive director Charlene Floyd, Katrina and Paul Somerville, Blake Tart III, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Carol and Mike Linn, Dancie Ware, Hannah and Cal McNair, Carolyn Farb and Lance Livingston and Darlene and Cappy Bisso.

Philip and Lori Sarofim.

Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com

Philip and Lori Sarofim.

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Children At Risk

Fred Armisen brings the funny to benefit child advocacy in Houston

In a ballroom brimming with heart and humor, more than 430 changemakers gathered at The Post Oak Hotel for Stand Up for Children, Children At Risk’s annual soirée in support of Texas’s most vulnerable. Suzan and Jeremy Samuels and Beth Wolff helmed the evening as event chairs, celebrating a night that raised $360,000 to fuel the nonprofit’s advocacy efforts tackling child poverty and inequality.

The always-charismatic Khambrel Marshall returned to the stage as emcee and auctioneer. The crowd lit up for Emmy-nominated comedian and musician Fred Armisen, whose smart and quirky set — punctuated with guitar riffs and rhythm shifts — drew roaring laughter from the well-heeled audience.

President and CEO Dr. Bob Sanborn reminded guests of the organization’s mission as a nonpartisan force for strategic research and public policy. Rep. Ann Johnson brought the message home with personal reflections on the devastating realities of human trafficking and the urgent need for community awareness and legislative change.

A highlight of the evening: the recognition of Dr. Sippi Khurana as Community Honoree. Her passionate remarks, grounded in data and compassion, underscored why Children At Risk’s work matters more than ever. Her third-grade daughter, Seva, charmed the room with a beautiful invocation.

Table centerpieces from H-E-B set the stage for a spirited evening of mingling, raffling, and bidding. Silent auction items kept smartphones buzzing, while live auction paddles flew high — especially for a “his and hers” package featuring dazzling Niara Jewelry earrings.

Seen in the crowd were Ellen Sanborn, Doe and Henry Florsheim, Jenny and John Seo, Katy and Ed Wolff, Cynthia Wolff, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Ajay Khurana, Kristen Cannon, Nina and Clint Rand, Sneha and Nick Merchant, Alice and Matthew Brams, Shaina Perry and Jeremy Ross, Shawn and Donald Bowers, Amy and Rob Pierce, George Connelly and Evelyn Leightman, Katie and Seth Tsuru, Jayne Johnston, Dr. Julie Dickson, and David Charles.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Sippi Khurana, Fred Armisen, and Ajay Khurana.

fundraisers children at risk