Dennis Quaid Show Helps Bellaire Reach $100K In Harvey Relief

BELLAIRE, TX — While Hurricane Harvey ravaged Houston and the rest of the Texas coastline this summer, many Bellaire first responders tended to others while their own property and homes took on unprecedented flooding. Last Saturday, a silver lining popped up behind the big, grey rebuilding cloud when Bellaire native and Hollywood star Dennis Quaid and his band, The Sharks, played a Bellaire Block Party Show.

More than $100,000 was raised by the community to benefit Bellaire Brave, the first responders and other city employees across all departments who were personally impacted by the hurricane. Even as their own families and homes were at risk, they answered the call to duty in taking care of others in Bellaire, working around the clock throughout the storm and its aftermath.

"Heroes all, the Bellaire Brave put service above self each and every day, and especially in our time of greatest need," Bellaire Mayor Andrew Friedberg wrote in his city blog. "That it was also Veterans Day fit nicely as we paused as a community to celebrate and recognize all who have served.

"As our community steadily recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Dennis came home to help boost morale and most of all, to honor our local heroes. He spoke fondly of his all-American childhood growing up in Bellaire, and while his big-screen career took him off to Hollywood, it’s clear his heart never left home."

The event was sponsored by Patrons for Bellaire Parks, the Bellaire Business Association, the City of Bellaire and numerous local businesses and individual donors. During the day, the group presented a check for $85,000 to the Bellaire Brave Fund, and then Dennis Quaid took out a pen and his checkbook, putting the total amount beyond $100,000.

Fried berg said the "collective emotion on stage and in the crowd was palpable."

"The people of Bellaire — residents and city employees — are most grateful to Dennis Quaid for reaching out to us and making this happen, along with brother Buddy and Marielle Quaid who were instrumental in pulling it off," Friedberg wrote. "We thank the event sponsors and organizers, with special recognition to Cheryl Bright, Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities, who took on this project and executed it masterfully. And of course the Bellaire Brave, whose commitment to service inspires us all. Thanks to you and all you do for us, we are Bellaire Strong."

Photos courtesy of City of Bellaire