Houston Fire Fighters charitable foundation gala raises $400K.
The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation hosted its third annual “Red Hot Gala” in person at the Royal Sonesta Houston hotel. It wasn’t an easy decision.
“The firefighters union was very concerned about not meeting inperson, based on the line-of-duty deaths this year,” event co-chair Elizabeth Stein said. “And with us being so new, they were concerned about the momentum.”
During Hurricane Harvey, the charitable foundation — which was then just five men, including her husband and event cochairman, Alan Stein — met with the firefighters.
“The firefighters who went into the water talked about the things they didn’t have,” Elizabeth Stein said. “They said, ‘We’ve got to have a fundraiser.’ Marty Lancton appealed to me, and now this is my third year.”
She and fellow organizers felt they could successfully host an in-person event if they were diligent about the protection they offered. Elizabeth Stein says that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently allows 75 percent ballroom capacity. For the 2020 “Red Hot Gala,” they decided to stay under 50 percent.
Some 210 supporters wore red and helped raise nearly $400,000. Water glasses, wine glasses and chairs were all covered. Face masks, face shields and hand sanitizer were available for each guest. Tables were spaced 8 to 10 feet apart.
It’s a hefty sum raised, considering attendance was nearly half of previous years’ turnout. In 2019, Hallie Vanderhider — this year’s community honoree — underwrote active shooter training. Other wish-list items have included computer programs for firetrucks, chainsaws and other equipment.
“There are only two groups in the Houston area researching canines that have cancer from going into these burning buildings. People donate to continue research for that,” Elizabeth Stein added. “And last year we bought two vehicles for family services — they go in and stay with the family when a firefighter dies.”
In 2020, Senior Capt. Kevin Leago, Capt. Leroy Lucio, firefighter and paramedic Jerry Pacheco, arson investigator Lemuel (DJ) Bruce, Capt. Tommy Searcy and firefighter Kenneth Stavinoha were all killed in the line of duty.
The event, led by master of ceremonies Roula Christie, also recognized corporate honorees Renee and Alan Helfman.
Janet and Tom Behanick, Benjamin Berg, Troy Blakeney, Joanna and Brad Marks and Bobbie Nau were each surprised with plaques in their honor that will be mounted in fire stations across town.
The most heartwarming moment of the program, however, belonged to honorary co-chairmen Kelley and Stephen Lubanko. Stephen Lubanko was reunited onstage with the team of firefighters who resuscitated him following a medical emergency, and he received a commemorative helmet inscribed with his name. Kelley Lubanko recalled the firefighters who reponded when her parents’ home was lost to fire.
And as is tradition, the 2020 firefighter calendar men added a lighthearted touch to the evening with a parade down the catwalk. No shirts, no virtual program, no problem.