The Alamo could well be the only place Austin’s globetrotting Top Chef Paul Qui hasn’t been photographed. That is until tonight when he walks the red carpet at the gala Texas Honors event being held at the “Shrine of Texas Liberty” in San Antonio.
Qui will be one of an elite group of Texas humanitarians, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs being honored for their contribution to the state at a gala that kicks off the campaign to raise money for the Alamo Endowment Fund. Gov. Greg Abbott and Land Commissioner George P. Bush will be joined at the party by the producers and many cast members of Texas Rising, a new series about the emergence of the Republic of Texas and the founding of the Texas Rangers from History.
“My love for Texas and the Rangers dates back to when I co-created and executive produced the successful classic drama Walker, Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris,” said Leslie Greif, CEO Thinkfactory Media and executive producer on Texas Rising. “Many think that the Alamo was the end of the story, but as we all know, it was just the beginning. With the birth of the Texas Rangers being an important part of Texas pride, it was crucial to me to tell that part of the story. I am extremely proud of the synergy that the project has brought out – raising awareness for restoration and preservation of one of our country’s most prolific landmarks, will ensure that the story and the people are never forgotten.”
In addition to screening a preview of the series at the gala tonight, History will also make a charitable donation to the Alamo Endowment in the name of each of the Texas Honors recipients. Picking up a prestigious award at a party could be the easiest charitable donation Austin’s generous chef Qui has ever made.
Texas Rising starring Bill Paxton, Brendan Fraser, Ray Liotta, Olivier Martinez, Thomas Jane, and Kris Kristofferson premieres on History on Monday, May 25 at 8pm CST.
This article appears in May 15 • 2015.