Who We Are (4)
Advisory Board
- Haidar Barbouti
- Girogio Borlenghi
- George Dodge
- Dr. Uri Gedalia
- Alan Helfman
- Dr. Michael Kaplan
- Daniel Ogbonna
- Gary Petersen
- Mathew Rigdon
- Alan Stein – Chairman
- Elizabeth Stein
- Robert Tijerina
- Ugo Tombolini
- Franco Valobra
- Hallie Vanderhider
- Wyatt Wainwright
- James Wu
- Russell Ybarra
- Luca Zanotti
Daniel Ogbonna
Daniel Ogbonna is the founder of Olimax Group, an investment company based in the United States. He has over 20 years experience that span the US, Europe and Africa in shareholder value creation, mergers and acquisitions, financial and investment strategies, turn-around and operational improvement, and strategic planning roles in diverse industries.
Prior roles include: Chief Financial Officer at Erin Energy, an NYSC and Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed company with oil and gas exploration and production assets across Africa, EVP/Chief Strategy and Investment Officer for a family office based in Houston, Director of Strategy at Limited Brands the company that owns Victoria Secret and Bath and Body Works. Mr. Ogbonna also worked at JP Morgan as an investment banker on Wall Street. He was an engagement manger at the strategy consultant groups at Deloitte and Arthur Anderson.
Mr. Ogbonna holds an M.B.A from Harvard Business School, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with honors from Tennessee State University.
Alan Stein, Chairman
Born in Shreveport, LA, Alan Stein was brought up around his father’s recycling facility where he worked at his father’s side, learning all aspects of the recycling business. In 1973 he moved to Lake Charles and became Co-owner / Manager of Lake Charles Paper Recycling with his brother. After several years on his own, he returned to Shreveport to once again join his father at Shaffer-Stein, assuming a more active role in the day to day business.
In 1982 Stein and his wife Elizabeth moved to Houston joining ACCO Companies where he became a partner in the recycling business. After a couple of years developing the Houston facility, Stein moved to central Texas to run the newly acquired ACCO recycling plants in San Antonio and Austin. Three years later he returned to Houston and expanded into the waste services business. During the 8 years Stein was at ACCO it grew from one plant in Houston to be the largest independent recycler in the Southwest with plants in Houston, San Antonio and Austin.
In 1990 ACCO was acquired by Browning-Ferris Industries and Stein spent over 9 years developing and leading BFI Recycling Services, first running their recycling program and later as an officer in the company. He remained there until it was sold to Allied Services in 1999. In 2001, he again entered the recycling business as an entrepreneur when he purchased interest in Gulf Coast Recycling, Ltd., a recycling facility in Beaumont. The next year he opened a sister plant in Houston and in 2006 added a third facility also in Houston. Stein owned and managed the three plant operation until 2008 when Waste Management acquired the company. Stein then worked for Waste Management for two years to facilitate the transition.
Currently Stein is managing the family office through A&E Interests where he is pursuing new investment opportunities while carving out time for his hobbies and community interests. Alan and Elizabeth Stein have been actively involved in not only the recycling industry, but the Houston community where they have raised two children, Laura and Jacob. As Houston residents for the past 26 years they have been dedicated to the growth and development of their community where they are proud supporters of multiple Houston area institutions.
American Cancer Society, Cattle Barons Ball, Citizens for Animal Protection, Family Services of Greater Houston, Holocaust Museum of Houston, Houston Achievement Place, Houston Children’s Charities, Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, St. Martins Episcopal Church and Veterans services have been a focus of the Stein family.
Alan Stein has also been an active member of the YPO/WPO since 1990. A current member of CEO, The Corkscrews supporting the HLSR, a founding member of the Houston Sheriff’s Foundation and a Founding member of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Foundation.
Ugo Tombolini
Ugo Tombolini is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in start-ups in various sectors. He started Compound Manufacturing Distribution (a plastics reclamation and recycling business) in 1993 and quickly became the 10th fastest growing small business in Houston. His business, Ugo Tombolini Investments INC., has most recently been investing in fine jewelry and timepieces, commercial real estate and oil and gas ventures. Mr. Tombolini is very active in the community. He is a founding member of the Harris County Sherriff's Foundation, he is on the advisory committee for Alan Rosen Precinct One, and he is the president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association Charitable Foundation. Mr. Tombolini is happily married with three children. Ugo and his family love to spend time at their ranch in Brenham, Tx and travel often to their home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He also enjoys playing tennis at the Houston Racquet Club and resides in Hunters Creek Village in Houston, Texas.
Board of Directors
- Jimmy Campbell – Director
- Gabriel Dominguez – Director
- Elizabeth Stein – Community Advocate
- Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton – Director
- Brian Wilcox – Director
Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton
Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton is president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, the third largest municipal firefighter union in the nation. Lancton has more than 15 years of experience as a business owner, partner, and head of management in various companies, along with an 18-year firefighting career. He has held numerous positions within the union, including president of the HPFFA Charitable Foundation, communications director, bylaw chairman, public relations chairman, legislative committee member and grievance committee member.2019 Red Hot Gala Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor Incident Commander
Hallie Vanderhider
THREE ALARM SUPPORTERS & DONORS
Elizabeth & Alan Stein
TWO ALARM SUPPORTERS & DONORS
Robin & Alex Brennan-Martin
Melissa & Bob Duran
Renee & Alan Helfman
Carol L. & William L. Lawler
Joanna & Brad Marks
ONE ALARM SUPPORTERS & DONORS
Champagne Cowgirls
Elite Care 24 Hour Emergency Center
Jackie & Monty Eubank
Bebe & John Falik
FireAde
Dr. Uri Gedalia
Van & David Greenberg /
Christin & Ugo Tombolini
LION Group
Dr. Cesar Maldonado
Mr. & Dr. Daniel Ogbonna
Jo Ann Petersen
Cyndy & Thomas Roberts /
TC Ranch
St. Luke’s Foundation,
Friends of Nursing
Susan & Fayez Sarofim
Leslie & Gary Shaw
Lyndon A. Smith /
EPSI Benefits, Inc.
Dixie Meynier & Fred Stow
The University of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center
TICKET PURCHASERS & DONORS (UP TO $3,000)
- Yanira & David Huntington
- Lea & Randy Ney
- Tessa & Joshua Sanders
TICKET PURCHASERS & DONORS (UP TO $1,000)
- Cissy Abel
- Fady Armanious & Bill Baldwin
- Dr. Joe & Terry Bodkin-Agris
- Cathy & Giorgio Borlenghi
- Price DuBose
- Lesha & Tom Elsenbrook
- Jo Lynn & Gregg Falgout
- Jolynelle & Matt Farina
- Nanette Finger
- Allison & Adam Flikerski
- Ellie & Michael Francisco
- Susie & Jay Golding
- Gigi & Russell Harbison
- Kaki & Ryan Hardie
- Kelsey & Scott Keller
- Shelby Kibodeaux & Bruce Padilla
- Klein Funeral Homes & Memorial Parks
- Jennifer & Mark Kuebler
- Denise & Robert Leisten
- Pamela M Logsdon, CPA
- Kelley & Steve Lubanko
- Kate & Harry Lucrezi
- Shelley Ludwick
- Beth Madison
- Denise Monteleone
- Edward & Dr. Susan Snider Osterberg
- Ashley & Doug Plaeger
- Eileen & Richard Rau
- Shelley Reeves
- Regina Rogers
- Stacey & Jeffrey Shidler /
Ashley & Andrew Shidler - Betty & Michael Tapick
- Tootsies
- Kim & Dan Tutcher
- Christine & Ernest Webb
- Jerre & Dennis Williams
- Kelsey & Josh Wright
- Gaye Lynn & Stuart Zarrow
GENEROUS AUCTION DONORS
- Adventure Kids PlayCare
- Al’s Handmade Boots
- American Shooting Centers
- Art Colony Association
- Artwork by Robbie
- Baccarat
- Barry’s Boot Camp
- Bayou City Art Festival
- Behanick Family
- Bering’s
- Bike Barn
- Blossoms Floral Designs
- Brennan’s of Houston /
Commander’s Palace - Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Chef Tim
- Christofle Silver Inc.
- CKW LUXE Magazine &
CKW Collection-Connie Kwan-Wong - Emilie Cooksey
- Cynthia Ann Jewels
- Deer Lake Lodge
- Betty & Daniel DuBose
- Federal American Grill
- FireDisc Cookers
- FISH-TEXAS.COM/Jim Darby
- Fishing Tackle Unlimited
Andy Packmore - Vincent Ford Custom Apparel
- Fringe Salon and Color Bar
- Galatoire’s Restaurant /
Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak - Mathew Goff-The Goff Financial Group
- Renee & Alan Helfman
- Heritage Custom Framing
- Hotel Granduca
- Hotel Monteleone
- Hotel ZaZa
- Houston Symphony
- Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
- William King
- Kuhl-Linscomb Houston
- Landry’s
- Mariquita Masterson, Inc.
- I.W. Marks Jewelers
- MCM Houston
- Taft McWhorta
- Paul Michael
- Momentum Indoor Climbing-
Silver Street - Moore Security, LLC
- Blanche Morello
- Music With Friends
- My Luxury Gifts
- Rice Epicurean Market & Catering
- Royal Sonesta Houston
- Skydive Spaceland Houston
- SOUTHWEST
- Sportsmap
- Steak 48
- Taste of Texas
- Robert Tijerina-Titanium Tequila
- Tony’s Restaurant
- TOOTSIES
- Traveling Gypsies
- Virtuosi of Houston
- Wright Pawn & Jewelry
SPECIAL THANKS
- Art Attack
- Tamara Klosz Bonar
- Baccarat/ Vicki Rusca
- B.B. Italia Kitchen & Bar
- Berg Hospitality Group
- CKW Luxe Magazine
- Dee Darby
- Betty DuBose
- Baccarat
- Homes for Heroes
- Jeff Gremillion/Houston CityBook
- Karen de Guerin & Peter Remington /SMAC
- Kleibert Estrada
- Houston Fire Department- Arson Bureau,
Honor Guard, Pipes & Drums and Rescue Teams - Lora Poe – Lavandula Design
- Ann Massey
- Matuszewski Productions
- Vincent Montalbano
- Carol & Bill Simmons/Tabasco
- The Annie Café & Bar
2018 Red Hot Gala Donors
4 Alarm Supporters
Joy and Will Crenshaw
Donors & 3 Alarm Supporters
Janet and Tom Behanick
John Blaisdell
Troy Blakeney
Janet & Ernie Cockrell
Highland Village
Elizabeth and Alan Stein
Donors & 2 Alarm Supporters
Tony Bradfield & Kevin Black
Jackie and Monty Eubank/Gigi and Russell Harbison
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Kaplan
Beth Madison
Christin and Ugo Tombolini
Donors & 1 Alarm Supporters
Ashley and Steve Birdwell
Chenevert/Farina/Flikerski
/Plaeger/Vazquez
Tori and Ed DeCora
Elite Care Emergency Center – Rice Village
FireTron, Inc.
Friends of the Fire Fighters-I
Friends of the Fire Fighters-II
Dr. Uri Gedalia
Hall Attorneys, P.C.
Yanira and David Huntington
William E. King
Lion Group
Joanna and Brad Marks/IW Marks Jewelers
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Gregory Miller
Mr. and Dr. Daniel Ogbonna
Peter Pisters, M.D.
Cyndy and Thomas Roberts/TC Ranch
Susan and Mark Ryan
Susan and Fayez Sarofim
Leslie and Gary Shaw
Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors
Dixie Meynier and Fred Stow
Rebecca and Robert Tijerina
Maryan and JB Tinney/Betty and Daniel DuBose
Hallie Vanderhider
UTHealth
Donors/Ticket Purchasers up to $3,000
- Robin and Alex Brennan-Martin
- Cathy and Giorgio Borlenghi
- Joan & Jim Brock
- Susan Buddeke
- Lori & JJ Isbell
- Sippi & Ajay Khurana
- Kate and Harry Lucrezi
- Trini Mendenhall
- Petrello Foundation
- Stephanie and Frank Tsuru
- Sharleen & Ron Walkoviak
- Mrs. Andrew Wilkomirski
- Monica Ybarra
Donors/Ticket Purchasers up to $1,000
- Cissy Abel
- Amanda Behanick
- Whitney Behanick
- Darlene Bisso
- William Brown
- Dorothy F. Caram, Ed.D
- Karen deGuerin & Peter Remington
- Kristal & Duayne Casey
- Debbie and Kent Chenevert
- Robin Young-Ellis & Joe Ellis
- Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook
- Gary Gibson
- Jolynelle and Matt Farina
- Allison and Adam Flikerski
- Ellie and Michael Francisco
- Gretchen Gilliam & George Lane
- Susie & Paul Gold
- Sheri Henderson
- Houston Community College
- Judy and John Hutchison
- Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux
- Klein Funeral Home and Memorial Park
- Ariel and Doreen Leibovitz
- Denise and Robert Leisten
- Carol and Michael Linn
- Pamela M. Logsdon, CPA
- Dee Dee and Wallis Marsh
- Lea and Randy Ney
- Tammy and Kim Norman
- Susan and Edward Osterberg
- Dr. Eric Perkins and William Caldwell
- Ashley and Douglas Plaeger
- Erin Powers
- Shelley Reeves
- Regina Rogers
- Mauricio Del Valle Ramos
- Linda Schmuck and Todd Zucker
- Aimee and Wynne Snoots
- Kristina and Paul Somerville
- Ellen and Steve Susman
- Meredith and Langston Turner
- Kim and Dan Tutcher
- Darci and Eric Vazquez
- Bill White
- Jerre’ and Dennis Williams
- Margaret Alkek Williams
- Gaye Lynn & Stuart Zarrow
- Robert and Edith Zinn
Auction Donors
- Al’s Handmade Boots
- Sylvia Angeli
- Baccarat
- Balani Custom Clothiers
- The Behanick Family
- Bering’s
- Blonde Biscotti Coffee & Biscotti Bar
- Brennan's of Houston
- Carrabba's The Original
- City Kitchen Catering
- Crew Staffing
- Betty and Daniel DuBose
- FireDisc Cookers
- Renee' and Alan Helfman
- Heritage Custom Framing
- Hotel ZaZa – Museum District
- HoustonJewelry.com
- George Kampouridis
- Robin & Charles Lindberg
- Helene Little
- Maraquita Masterson Jewelry
- MCL Designs
- MCM
- Jake Michael/Paul Michael
- Music With Friends
- Premium Spirits LLC
- Rice Epicurean
- Sharon Mowry Studios
- Carol and Bill Simmons/Tabasco
- Steak 48
- The Arrangement
- Dorothy Thraen
- Tootsie’s
- Vincent Ford Custom Apparel
- Virtuosi of Houston
- Michelle Watson-Dalmatianpals
- Wave Electronics
- Pamela Wright-Wright Pawn & Jewelry
- Charles Weiss Art, Inc.
Special Thanks to:
- Kleibert Estrada
- Houston Fire Department Arson Bureau/ATF Accelerant K-9's Lux and Humphrey
- Houston Fire Department Rescue Teams
- Houston Fire Fighters Honor Guard
- Houston Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums
- Lora Poe - Lavandula Designs
- Matuszewski Productions
- Password Productions
- Carol and Bill Simmons/Tabasco
2017 Donors
- Haidar Barbouti
- Penny Richardson Borda
- Giorgio Borlenghi
- Nancy and Melvin Brandsetter
- Camille and Ray Burt
- Geoffrey Corn
- Craters and Freighters (TN)
- Dallas Fire Fighters Association
- Moises De La Cruz
- EPSI
- Fawn Evenson
- Cathy Findley
- Nancy and J.F. Finn, Jr.
- Julian Garcia
- Garland (TX) Professional Fire Fighters
- Dr. Uri Gedalia
- Alan Helfman
- Houston Police Officers Union
- Mandy Jackson
- Dr. Michael Kaplan
- Kessem Research and Consulting
- Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton
- Sheila Leahy
- Elizabeth Maldonado
- McMakin Farms
- Medical Center Ear Nose & Throat Associates
- Richard Messier
- Muncie (IN) Fire Fighters
- Muscatine (IA) Fire Department
- Daniel Ogbonna
- Palm Beach County Firefighters Pipes and Drums
- Erin Powers
- Prince Georges Co. (MD) Professional Fire Fighters
- Priority Aviation
- Matthew Rigdon
- Chris Rising
- Seacoast Chief Fire Officers (NH)
- Anna and Warren Schmidtmann
- Silver Eagle Distributors
- Elizabeth and Alan Stein
- Texas State Association of Fire Fighters
- Robert Tijerina
- Michael Tully
- Edward D. Watson
- WPFFA Cares / Westlake L-4147
- James Wu
- Luca Zanottie
- Connie and George Ziesemer
Our Mission
Support and protect the health, safety and welfare of Houston firefighters and their families, and the communities we serve.
About the Foundation
Houston firefighters deliver excellent service, are good stewards of city resources, and give back to the community. But firefighters and their families sometimes need a helping hand too. The Foundation is dedicated to helping firefighters and their families and others in the community in their times of need.
Our Structure
Founded in 2013, our Foundation is managed by a board of directors that includes Houston firefighters and civilians. Our bylaws mandate that directors of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association always constitute the majority of the foundation board of directors. The Foundation also relies on an advisory board that includes local business and community leaders each of which has provided important support to the Foundation.
Our Recent Activities and Plans
In recent years, the Foundation has provided:
- Financial relief for firefighters facing extraordinary medical expenses.
- Financial relief for firefighters with residential damage or losses due to natural disasters.
- Firefighting and/or EMS equipment not provided by the city.
- Winter jackets for local children through Operation Warm.
- College scholarship funds for local high school students through our annual 9/11 Memorial Golf Tournament.
- Cooperation with the charitable foundations of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF).