Houston’s True Blue Gala Is Bluer & Truer Than Ever

15^th Annual True Blue Gala Raises Record Funds

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

THE SCENE: The residence of Houston Philanthropist Tilman Fertitta was the recent setting for a night of great fun and impressive fundraising. A sold-out crowd featuring over 600 of Houston’s most notable sociables, philanthropists, and community leaders turned out for the Houston Police Foundation’s 15^th Annual True Blue Gala. Those fortunate enough to be a part of the event were treated to a night of entertainment, tributes, and experiential activations that dazzled the crowd.

THE VIBE: The blue-chic attire featured a diverse array of blue ensembles to commemorate the event including cocktail attire and cowboy-chic ensembles, while others sported floral prints in honor of the Hawaiian-themed evening. As guests arrived at Fertitta’s estate for cocktail hour, they were greeted by fire dancers, drummers, and hula girls. Partygoers then enjoyed a lively cocktail hour while sipping on their favorite spirits and participating in live training demonstrations from several subsets of the Houston Police Department. One could also find sociables for images to commemorate the evening with a robotic K-9 affectionately known as Spot.

Revelers then proceeded to the main program, while sampling an array of delectable bites from food stations featuring various Landry’s concepts, including The Palm, Willie G’s, Brenner’s Steakhouse, Vic & Anthony’s, and McCormick and Schmick’s, with many dishes serving a nod to the Hawaiian theme. During the program, guests were treated to words from event leaders as well as an Elvis impersonator who belted out many of his favorite tunes including some tunes from Blue Hawaii, in keeping with the blue theme. The evening ended with a bang, courtesy of a 15-minute-long fireworks show that capped off the gorgeous, early autumn night.

THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Tilman Fertitta and Houston Chief of Police Troy Finner, with Laura Ward serving as dinner chair, raised over $1 million dollars for the Houston Police Foundation. Proceeds were raised from the event to fund new technology as well as officer safety, equipment, and training programs for the Houston Police Department.