The Women’s Fund For Health Education And Resiliency In Houston Hosts Win Dinner
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Michelle Watson
Brad and Joanna Marks & Hannah and Cal McNair
Gary Petersen and Laura Hatfield
THE SETTING: Over 130 supporters brought an appetite to experience an intimate in-person event with exceptional wine, culinary delights, and entertainment to benefit The Women’s Fund’s mission was at the 6th Annual Wine Dinner at Tony’s restaurant in Houston, with pandemic protocol in place.
Regina Garcia, Trini Mendenhall and Philamena Baird
Elizabeth and Alan Stein
THE STYLE: Inside the venue,Houston restauranteur Donna Vallon guided guests through an exquisite four-course meal with wine pairings that included: Genovese salad paired with 2017 Hudson Ranch, Hudson Ranch Vineyards, Chardonnay; Tony’s infamous “flaming fish” salt crusted gulf red snapper paired with 2014 Domaine Anderson Estate, Pinot Noir; Prime truffled filet of beef paired with 2016 Carpe Diem, Cabernet Sauvignon…and Grand Marnier soufflé paired with Masottina Brut, Prosecco.It was a feast for all who attended. How could it not be?
Beth Wolff and Cynthia Wolff
Donna Vallone and Linda Rhodes
THE PURPOSE: The event’s chairs, Joanna and Brad Marks, the generous sponsors, and guests raised more than $135,000 to ensure Houston-area women and girls have free access to tools they need to be advocates for their health through classes, workshops, lectures, and publications focused on physical, mental, financial, emotional, health, and wellness. President of the Board of Trustees, Kathy Johnson, and the Marks highlighted The Women’s Fund’s accomplishments and continued commitment to providing free and virtual health services to Houston-area women during these unprecedented times. Additionally, they thanked Plains Capital for sponsoring the evenings entertainment, Vincent Powell and the Houston Ensemble Band.
Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association’s Charitable Foundation Gala
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Catchlight Group
THE SETTING: The latest Red Hot gala was not only a bright spot in the midst of a tough year, but also was a flaming success. With social distancing and after initial temperature checks by the Houston Firefighter Cadets, over 200 guests donned masks, face shields, and hand sanitizer to attend a seamlessly magical event produced by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. The Houston Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums, along with the Honor Guard, opened the evening and brought the audience to their feet as Houston Firefighter Joe Rice sang the national anthem acapella. Additionally, no firefighter event would be complete without Houston’s own firefighter calendar models walking the runway.
THE STYLE: The evening was a moment to gather together, celebrate, and comfort one another. Although this year’s event was less than 50% capacity of previous years, the community not only stepped out but also stepped up. “Our goal was to include every possible protective element we could and more,” noted co-chair Elizabeth Stein. Over 200 guests helped raise $410,000 for new equipment and training through the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation.
THE PURPOSE: The Local 341 President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton, event chairs Elizabeth and Alan Stein, and the Charitable Foundation’s decision to remain a live event took a great deal of consideration and additional planning. This year’s honorary co-chairs, Kelley and Stephen Lubanko, shared their family’s personal experiences with firefighters in a heartwarming video. The evening also honored community advocate Hallie Vanderhider and corporate advocates Renee and Alan Helfman, Five stellar community supporters were honored on plaques at fire stations across Houston: Janet and Tom Behanick, Benjamin Berg, Troy Blakeney, Joanna and Brad Marks, and Bobbie Nau.
Houston Professional Firefighter Association Charitable Foundation Hosts Inaugural Gala
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Daniel Ortiz
THE SETTING: The first-ever Red Hot gala for the Houston Professional Firefighter Association was a smashing success, raising almost half a million dollars for the foundation. A sold-out crowd of 400 guests enjoyed a sea of red in the Hotel Zaza Grand Ballroom in honor of some of Houston’s bravest public servants. Roula Christie was on hand to emcee the night’s event.
THE STYLE: The vibe was solid red-hot excitement as the Houston Fire Department Honor Guard procession began the evening, followed with a performance by the Houston Fire Department Pipes and Drums, and then a gripping reenactment of a fire rescue by the Fire Department Rescue Division. The live auction was highlighted by Red, a 12-week old dalmatian puppy that was purchased by the David Maloy family. Guests then enjoyed dinner, a silent and live action, entertainment, and dancing.
THE PURPOSE: The event was chaired by Elizabeth Stein, and HPFFA Charitable Foundation President, Alan Stein. Cindi Garza Roberts and Thomas Roberts (a veteran firefighter of 38 years) served as co-chairs. And Renee and Alan Helfman served as honorary chairs. The foundations mission is to provide equipment to the Houston Firefighters and to support and protect the health, safety and welfare of Houston Firefighters and their families.
