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.
Live alligators completed the bayou theme.
