Red-Hot Record Set At 7th Annual Firefighter’s Gala In Houston

7^th Annual Professional Firefighters Association’s Red Hot Gala Breaks Fundraising Record

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Catchlight Group

THE SCENE: The Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston was the setting for one of the hottest fundraising galas of the fall social season, both figuratively and literally. Over 500 of the city’s top community leaders, elected officials, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for the 7^th Annual Red Hot Gala benefiting the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation for fun and revelry that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE VIBE: The cocktail-attired crowd got into the hot spirit, with many patrons donning red ensembles and accents in honor of the event’s theme, which created an environment that was festive, welcoming, and fun. The festivities began in the foyer outside the Royal Sonesta ballroom for a lively cocktail hour where partygoers had the opportunity to pose for images in front of a 9-foot tall installation of a firefighter in action, sip cocktails, and preview the impressive lot of auction items on the “Big Board.”

The action then moved into the main program. KPRC’s co-host of Houston Life, Courtney Zavala served as emcee, keeping the crowd entertained while moving the festivities along at a fun, brisk pace. As guests dined on delectable multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event leaders. Next came a spirited live auction. The bidding heated up as revelers won exclusive luxury experiences, including a stay at a luxury home in Snowmass, an excursion to Puerto Vallarta, and a private dinner at the home of philanthropist Gary Peterson, serving as the most popular.

The main, and most anticipated event of the evening followed, with the unveiling of the 2025 Houston Firefighter Calendar. Against the backdrop of hot tunes, including Disco Inferno and Fireball, the firefighter models from each month strutted down the runway to an adoring crowd. The evening was capped off with a paddles-up lead by Vince Montalbano that allowed the organization to nearly double its paddles-up total from last year. We can’t wait to see how the Red Hot Gala turns the temperature even higher for the 8^th Annual Gala in the fall of 2025.

THE NON-PROFIT: The Red Hot Gala, co-chaired by Elizabeth and Alan Stein raised a record-breaking $850,000 for the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards equipment, support, and training programs for Houston Firefighters to maximize the resources available to them as first responders.