Houston’s social set was out in full force for the 16th Annual Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala. The theme, “Salsa: A Fiesta Fantastico,” empowered organizers to show supporters what a night of blue jeans and blue meant, with a healthy dose of spice and sass. Those who had attended this party before already knew that the opulent Fertitta family estate provides an expansive backdrop enlivened with plenty of activities and adventurous demos.

This isn’t an ordinary sit-and-bid event.

Mariachi bands set the tone, serenading arrivals while premium tequila towers and top-shelf margaritas gave the evening some extra octane. True to its name, the True Blue Gala brought folks up close and personal with HPD’s finest — think SWAT shooting arcades, live taser demonstrations, and a meet-and-greet with K-9 hero "Nate," who showed off his tracking skills. Plus, HPD’s robotic K-9, "Spot," worked the crowd like a four-legged influencer, snapping photos and winning hearts.

Chairman Tilman Fertitta, along with Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz and Mayor John Whitmire, welcomed guests, emphasizing the role community support plays in keeping the city safe. Dinner chair Laura Ward highlighted the collective dedication to HPD's new firearms training facility — a state-of-the-art center featuring 25 shooting lanes aimed at ensuring officers are prepared for whatever comes their way.

Landry’s chefs served up crowd-pleasers from local favorites like The Post Oak Hotel, Cadillac Bar, and Saltgrass Steakhouse. A show-stopping 15-minute fireworks display lit up the sky, closing out the gala with a bang and a whole lot of heart.

The event drew more than 600 attendees and raised a cool $1.1 million to support Houston’s new firearms training facility.

On the active scene were Lauren Fertitta, Blake Fertitta, Patrick Fertitta, Paige Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Alice and Keith Mosing, Kristina and Paul Somerville, John Johnson, Gary Peterson, Jack and Kristin Fusco, Monica and Russell Ybarra, Patrick Henry, Rusty and Tissy Hardin, Fire Chief Thomas Munoz, Jim Crane, Brett, Laura, and Don Sanders, Robert Tijerina, and Kris and Gerry Del Prete.

  

Photo by AlexandersPortraits.com

Tilman Fertitta, Laura Ward, Mayor John Whitmire, and Police Chief J. Noe Diaz.