The Celebration

On Friday, November 5, 2021, over 550 Houstonians gathered at the Fertitta Family Residence for the 13th annual Houston Police Foundation True Blue Gala, All That Jazz. The sold-out event, hosted by Houston Police Foundation Chairman Tilman Fertitta and Police Chief Troy Finner raised funds for equipment and training for the Houston Police Department (HPD). Tenured board members, Laura and Dave Ward, were this year’s honorees for their continued dedication and commitment to the Houston Police Foundation. They were presented with a plaque detailing their acts of service, which will hang in the Fertitta Family Tactical Training Center.

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The Story

While being serenaded by the David Caceres Band, guests enjoyed tasty bites from the various food stations from Landry’s, Inc. restaurants, including The Palm, Willie G’s, Brenner’s Steakhouse, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, and McCormick & Schmick’s positioned around the grounds that were lit up by Richard Flowers of The Events Company.

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Dressed in their best “blue jeans and blue” attire, attendees watched LIVE training demonstrations from HPD’s elite units, including SWAT, Bomb Squad, Helicopter, the Special Response Group, K-9, Mounted Patrol, Solo Motorcycles, and many others. Attendees were also able to participate in several interactive demonstrations such as a Taser weapon demonstration with targets. Other highlights of the evening included interacting with a robot dog as it mingled among the guests and picture taking with the roaming photo booth.

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The Moments

The eventful evening culminated in an impressive 15-minute fireworks display marking the end of a successful fundraiser for the Houston Police Foundation and celebrating HPD’s dedication to the community.

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The successful event raised over $770,000 for the Houston Police Department.

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Guests:Tilman Fertitta, Police Chief Troy Finner and Sheridan, Senator John Whitmire, Laura and Dave Ward, Alice and Keith Mosing, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Don and Laura Sanders, Blake Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Anne and Dr. Jim Muntz, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Dr. Michael Kaplan, Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen and Liz Christensen, Carolina Peña and Chief Samuel Peña, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Jennifer and Joe Van Matre, Robert Browning, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Lawrence Berry, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Maria and Neil Bush, Renee and Alan Helfman, Twila Carter, and Constable Alan Rosen and Jennifer.

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About the Houston Police Foundation

The Houston Police Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation formed by local business leaders to support Houston Police Department (HPD) projects. Donations made by individuals and companies fund special programs, officer safety, training, equipment, and new technology, none of which would be feasible under the City budget. Approximately 96 percent of HPD's annual budget goes to pay officers and other department personnel.