Houston Brings The Heat With Steamy Fire Fighters Gala

Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Red Hot Gala Raises Record Funds

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Catch Light Group and Daniel Ortiz

THE SCENE: The Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston was the recent setting of a sizzling night of fun and eye candy mixed in with fashion and philanthropy. The sixth annual the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Red Hot Gala was its largest fundraiser yet, drawing over 450 sociables and community leaders for an epic night for such a beloved cause.

THE VIBE: The cocktail attire crowd found women donning a dazzling array of red and black dresses in honor of the firefighters while men sported their favorite cocktail ensembles that included suits and open-collared ensembles while the firefighters themselves wore various forms of “work attire”. The action began in the foyer of the Royal Sonesta for a lively cocktail hour where the spirits flowed as freely as the conversation.

Revelers then headed inside the Royal Sonesta Ballroom for the main program, which began with the presentation of the flags by the Houston Honor Guard Pipes and Drums and an emotional acapella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by firefighter Joe Rice that brought the crowd to their feet. Next, came a presentation of awards for several individuals who have tirelessly supported this event over the years. Honorees included Honorary Community Partner Ben Berg of Berg Hospitality Group, as well as Maria Moncada Alaoui, and presenting sponsors Bobbie Nau and Hallie Vanderhider.

The party continued as the main event commenced: the runway show featuring the firefighters representing each month of their annual calendar, which brought next-level heat to the room. Following the fashion show came a spirited live auction which featured an array of hot items including a Cielo Necklace courtesy of I W Marks Jewelers and a trip to Puerto Vallarta as well as a Paddles Up fund raise. Partygoers capped off the night with an after-party where everyone danced the night away to the tunes of the Western Jelly Band.

THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Elizabeth and Alan Stein, raised a record $750,000 for the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association. Proceeds from the evening will go towards the purchase of life-saving equipment and providing additional training services as well as supporting the needs of firefighters and their families experiencing extraordinary hardships. Over the past six years, the event has raised over $4 million dollars for the organization.