party watch

Tilman Fertitta backs Houston's blue with big bayou-themed bash

What: The Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala

Where: The Fertitta Family Home

The scoop: More than 650 Houstonians donned in blue gathered at the Fertitta family home for the 12th annual Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala. This sold out Cajun-themed, “We’ll have Big Fun on the Bayou” event was a huge success raising more than $750,000 to provide equipment and training for the Houston Police Department.

Upon arrival guests were blown away to see a live 10-foot alligator and two baby alligators small enough to hold and take photos with. Those too timid to hold the baby alligators could capture photos with friends in the hero-themed photo booth.

Throughout the event, hundreds participated in interactive training elements and high-risk drills such as taser weapon target demonstrations; shooting arcade with the SWAT team; try on riot gear with the Special Response Group; Bomb Squad, Dive Team and Air Support displays; and pet a real K-9 Crime Fighter station.

Keeping the dance floor alive and kicking was zydeco-playing, Grammy-award winner Wayne Toups, dubbed “The Cajun Springsteen” who played “Tupelo Honey”, “Two Step Mamou,” and more.

Dinner chair Laura Ward and Houston Police Foundation’s executive director Charlene Floyd oversaw all the details, along with event extraordinaire Richard Flowers who created the perfect outdoor setting for Houston’s community leaders and elite socials.

The night’s signature drink, “True Blue” aqua cocktails along with a complete whiskey bar helped guests warm up throughout the cooler evening. Ample food stations from Landry’s, Inc. concepts’ top chefs surrounded the backyard serving fresh tuna tartar; lobster tails; shrimp cocktail; hush puppies; cornbread; crawfish empanadas; grits and grillades; jambalaya; gumbo; build-your-own mac and cheese bar; fried shrimp; and quail. Those with a sweet tooth enjoyed red-velvet mini cupcakes, pralines, and two life-size armadillo replicated cakes.

The event concluded with a bang — literally. A 15-minute fireworks finale illuminated the sky marking a successful evening benefiting the Houston Police Foundation and honoring the Department’s dedication to the community.

Who: Tilman Fertitta; Houston Police Chief, Art Acevedo, and his wife, Tanya; Mayor Sylvester Turner; Senator John Whitmire; honorees Alice and Keith Mosing; Jim Crane; Kristina and Paul Somerville; Don and Laura Sanders; Michael Fertitta; Jim and Dancie Ware; Constable Alan Rosen; Blake Tartt; John Eddie Williams; Edna Meyer-Nelson; and Amy and Gary Becker.

Jim and Dancie Ware.

Photo by Dave Rossman

Jim and Dancie Ware.

Vintage Vibes

Wine and resilience shine at Houston nonprofit's glamorous soirée

Photo by Johnny Than

Gaston Elie, Gina Gaston Elie, and Mario Elie.

The Women’s Fund poured on the charm at its 10th Annual Wine Dinner, trading its usual intimate digs for The Astorian’s lofty glamour and a vibe as effervescent as the night’s first pour. Picture white feathers flirting with candlelight, rosé-hued roses blushing in Revere bowls, and a crowd dressed to toast, taste, and turn up for a cause.

Photo by Johnny Than

Gaston Elie, Gina Gaston Elie, and Mario Elie.

Chairs Vanessa and Chuck Ames led the swirl, sip, and support soirée, where guests kicked things off with passed bites and bubbly from Amy and Rob Pierce and Alexandra Bruskoff. Jackson and Co. served up crispy artichokes, mushroom Wellington, tuna carpaccio, and beef tartare, perfectly paired with cava and casual elegance.

The Madam Zero Champagne Wall added sparkle and suspense, doling out deBoulle gift cards and a private champagne tasting. Meanwhile, the silent auction table buzzed with high-stakes bids for year-long date nights, Zadok's bling, a Chopped-worthy in-home dinner by chef Lena Le, and more.

Dinner dazzled across four courses: Steelhead carpaccio with Meyer lemon sabayon and Texas Vermentino; wild mushroom agnolotti matched with a Russian River Pinot; charcoal-grilled filet cozied up to Tuscan red; and a bittersweet chocolate tart so luxe it got its own sponsor, Armine+Ambrose.

Mid-meal pop-up auctions turned tables into tasting salons with caviar and Burgundies flowing like insider gossip. And when it came time to raise paddles, auctioneer Johnny Holloway of Johnny Bravo Productions kept the energy high and the giving higher. Think Majorca vacations (sold twice), Rockets suite nights, Napa getaways, and a cameo on Chris Shepherd's Eat Like a Local that also sold — you guessed it — twice.

The evening honored the inaugural Toast to Resilience Class. Paulina and Jim McGrath earned the Visionary Spirit Award, Gina Gaston Elie was honored with the Resilient Heart Award, and Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown received the Champions of Community Award—each recognized for lifting up Houston’s women and girls with compassion, creativity, and serious clout.

By the end of the night, guests had raised an impressive $485,000. That’s more than double last year's total. With more than 250 oenophiles in attendance, the event proved that good wine and a great cause make for one worthy pairing.

Supporters raising their glasses included Anne and John Clutterbuck, Ashley Sere, Meredith and Ben Marshall, Jessica and Brian Leeke, Brian Faulkner, Caroline and Matt Monday, Lisa and Charlie Meachem, Corbin Young, Craig and Kristin Kellogg, Jordan and Dylan Seff, Lisa Meacham, Kelly and Frank Hogan, George Breen, Megan and Jerry Hughes Jr., Jillian and Yuri Waldo, Erin and Kyle Cummings, Nadia Tajalli, Paula Sutton, Rania Mankarious, Laura Ward, Sarah Barrett, Shellie McBeth, Steve Jetton, Steve Mohtashami, Aliza Dutt, Danny Ward and Nancy Ames, James Calaway, Jody Merritt, Kristen Collins, Kristy Bradshaw, Laura Davenport, Mario Elie, Nene Foxhall, Roxann and Tim Neumann, and Nora Jarrard.