Heavy hitters of both the Republican and Democratic persuasion turned out in force for the Galveston Bay Foundation's Guardian of the Bay Awards luncheon headlined by former first lady Laura Bush.
More than 500 participants packed the River Oaks Country Club ballroom for the sold-out fundraiser that honored powerful forces in their own right — restaurateur Tom Tollett, public policy columnist Bill King, CenterPoint Energy and the Chambers-Liberty Counties Navigation District.
In keeping with the foundation's mission of preserving and protecting Galveston Bay, Bush spoke on the importance of preserving the state's natural heritage.
Among the influentials mingling in the crowd were luncheon chairs Bailey and Greg Binion plus Port Commission chair Janiece Longoria, former Mayor Bill White, Kirby Corp. chairman emeritus Berdon Lawrence, conservationist Terry Hershey, construction mogul George Pontikes Jr., Macey and Harry Reasoner, Charles Foster, Katherine McGovern, Roxann Neumann, Doug Pitcock and Philamena and Arthur Baird.
Pennie Johnson, from left, Doug Pitcock and Laura Bush at the Galveston Bay Foundation luncheon.
