Houston Chronicle Sunday

Celebs fete Slim Thug’s BossLife Ball

- By Amber Elliott amber.elliott@chron.com

Slim Thug, powerhouse party host?

The well-known Houston native and rapper of Swishahous­e fame showed off a surprising facet from his talent repertoire over the weekend: philanthro­py and event planning.

This year, his BossLife Foundation celebrated its fifth annual BossLife Ball in a big way. The elevated Sunday funday bash toasted two Bayou City entreprene­urs, Tilman Fertitta and Daymond John. Fertitta’s claim to fame includes ownership of Landry’s Inc., Golden Nugget Casinos and, now, the Rockets as well as being a potential dreammaker on “Billion Dollar Buyer.” John’s notable résumé lists founder of apparel company FUBU and being one of the titular investors on “Shark Tank.”

Other notable Houstonian­s including Bun B and Chester Pitts walked the photograph­er-lined black carpet outside Minute Maid Park’s Union Station, too.

“The (stadium) was a really good fit to celebrate the Astros and all that the city has gone through in the past year,” explained insider La’Torria Lemon.

Supporters agreed. A record crowd — “550, the most we’ve ever had” — braved chilly winter temperatur­es to schmooze with like-minded business owners.

Previous honoree James “J.” Prince was among those raising funds for youth-centered educationa­l programs, training and career mentoring.

Former boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and actress Lisa Raye surprised guests during the latenight program.

So far, the event has raised $15,000, though its text-in campaign is ongoing.

 ?? Gary Fountain photos ?? Ky Meyer, left, interviews Slim Thug, center, and Daymond John at the BossLife Foundation’s fifth annual BossLife Ball. The event raises funds for the BossLife Scholarshi­p Program, which assists high school graduates with continuing education.
Gary Fountain photos Ky Meyer, left, interviews Slim Thug, center, and Daymond John at the BossLife Foundation’s fifth annual BossLife Ball. The event raises funds for the BossLife Scholarshi­p Program, which assists high school graduates with continuing education.
 ??  ?? Patrick Fertitta, from left, Paige and Tilman Fertitta, Blake Fertitta, Dana Wenpe and Michael Fertitta
Patrick Fertitta, from left, Paige and Tilman Fertitta, Blake Fertitta, Dana Wenpe and Michael Fertitta
 ??  ?? Chester Pitts
Chester Pitts

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