Bellaire native actor/singer Dennis Quaid returned to his roots this weekend for the Harvey relief concert Bellaire Block Party. He toured the neighborhood where he grew up, including Horn Elementary School and the Evergreen Pool, and then headed to Bellaire Town Square for an energy-filled concert with his band The Sharks on Saturday. On Friday, he appeared at a meet-and-greet at the home of Bellaire Mayor Andrew Friedberg to visit with some of the sponsors of the event.
After Harvey hit Houston, Quaid, who moved to Bellaire in 1958, called the City of Bellaire and told Bellaire Chief Byron Holloway he wanted to put on a fundraiser benefiting the City of Bellaire. Chief Holloway told him to talk to Cheryl Bright, Assistant Director of Bellaire Parks and Recreation. The planning started immediately. Quaid’s brother Buddy and wife Marielle, who live in Austin, were instrumental in the planning of the block party event as well. Dennis Quaid had insisted that the event would be free to residents but donations would be accepted for the Bellaire Brave.
The concert opened with “Not Fade Away” by Buddy Holly and featured covers of The Doors and other rock songs from that era.
Bellaire Mayor Andrew Friedberg presented Dennis Quaid with a Bellaire High School baseball jersey, which he wore during the performance. Mayor Friedberg said he was a fan of The Rookie and presented Quaid with a Bellaire street sign: Quaid Way. Bellaire Police Chief Byron Holloway presented Quaid with an official Bellaire police captain's cap and an Astros hat.
Proceeds from donations raised will go toward the Bellaire Brave, a fund to help Bellaire staff whose families were affected by Harvey. While these courageous individuals selflessly helped Bellaire residents, they were unable to get to their own homes. Millie Hast, who serves on the board of Patrons for Bellaire Parks - and who was personally affected by Hurricane Harvey - proudly presented the $85,000 check to Mayor Friedberg on behalf of Patrons for Bellaire Parks for the Bellaire Brave. As she paid tribute to those who donated, her breath caught with emotion.
From the moment Quaid landed in Houston till he departed for the airport, he took ample time to greet fans, shake hands and take selfies. Quaid pumped up the crowd during the concert and lifted the spirits of the community throughout his time here. It was clear to the crowd that, although he’s a beloved Hollywood celebrity, Dennis Quaid truly remembers his roots.
You can still purchase Bellaire Brave t-shirts or donate to the Bellaire Brave fund here.
See below for photos of Dennis Quaid and Buzz residents at the meet-and greet and the benefit concert.
