PATRONS for Bellaire Parks celebrated the 11th Annual Wine and Tapas at Bellaire Town Square in truly Texas fashion with “Boots and Bling” on Saturday, March 23, 2019. The annual gala honored Tom and Brenda Koch for their many years of community service and will benefit the future revitalization of Bellaire community parks. PATRONS (PATRONS) will be funding accessible playground equipment for people of all abilities and ages throughout Bellaire Parks.
Guest experienced a fun filled night under the moonlight providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of wine, food, dancing and conversation. Guests enjoyed a variety of distinctive wines as well as long necks and an array of delectable bites prepared by The ‘401, Saltillo Mexican Kitchen,Cafe Piquet, and Blood Brothers BBQ.
“It is PATRONS’ events like this that helped to build the Bellaire Family Aquatic Center, Loftin Park playground and trails; distribute funds raised to many of the City’s beloved parks including Evelyn’s Park and the Nature Discovery Center and most recently to the revitalization of Ware Family Park,“ states Win Frazier, PATRONS President. “The value of what Patrons does in contributions benefits the total Bellaire community,” added Frazier.
“Tom Koch was actually the first Wine and Tapas Master of Ceremonies so it was befitting to honor him and his wife, Brenda, at Wine and Tapas,” reports co-chair person Heather Mee. Wine and Tapas is one of PATRONS major events that raise funds to support the health of the Bellaire community. Brenda Koch expressed, “We appreciate being honored and are grateful for the support of all our amazing friends and neighbors on such a special night.” Johnnie Frazier, co-chairperson said, “The Koch family has supported so many charitable organizations we wanted to give them a Texas size thank you.” Kristi Coffey co-chair person explained, “PATRONS goal is to integrate more play structures to make our parks a place where play can be an inclusive opportunity for multi-generational and people of all abilities to relax, explore, discover, grow and laugh.”
PATRONS is working with the City of Bellaire, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board to include enhancements to all Bellaire parks. “We’re especially happy that the funds raised will revitalize our smaller parks with inclusive equipment for all ages and abilities,” says Tom Koch.
“We owe tremendous thanks and appreciation to Brenda and Tom Koch, Johnnie and Win Frazier, John and Renee Hawkins, Patricia and Robert Lunn,” added Coffey.
Upcoming events hosted by PATRONS are the Trolley Run on April 13, 2019, Party at the Pavilion concerts on the first Friday of the month March through November, Dive In Movie in August and Tents In Town in November. “PATRONS events coupled with the generous support of our community have resulted in beautiful parks and structures throughout Bellaire. Since inception, Patrons for Bellaire Parks raised over $1.7 million for the benefit of local parks and facilities,” expressed Frazier.
PATRONS for Bellaire Parks is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.For more information about Patrons for Bellaire Parks and their events, visit www.BellaireParks.org.
Left to right Gala co-chair Johnnie Frazier, Corbett Parker, Amie Mulvahill and Patrons President, Win Frazier
Left to right Sylvia Walker, Nancy Loncarich, Tom Flaherty, Randall Walker and Patron Board member,Marybeth Flaherty
