If any group of people can have empathy for communities that have suffered through a major hurricane, New Orleans fills that bill. 

And when the community that was ravaged is Houston, which did so much for New Orleans after Katrina, then it becomes even more important to respond. 
*Online Donations now being accepted at http://www.brennanshouston.com/koonce/ 

Add to that situation the fact that a major business in Houston with strong, strong ties and ownership to us, then our community has to do something. And all of us here at neworleans.com hope you will also take part. 

Brennan’s of Houston is, of course, a top-quality establishment that served Houston for over 41 years. It is owned by Ti  Martin and Lally Brennan, who also own Commander’s Palace and Café Adelaide here in New Orleans. 

Brennan’s of Houston was destroyed during Hurricane Ike. The building and the business were in flames  at the height of Ike’s fury. Valiant Houston Fire Department personnel were out in force during the storm fighting the fire, but the event was too far ahead of them, and, despite Herculean efforts, they could not get the situation under control until the building burned practically to the ground

BUT HERE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS STORY

Taking refuge inside the restaurant was the Sommelier of Brennan’s of Houston, James Koonce, and his 4-year-old daughter, Katherine. 

Both were badly burned. 

They are being attended to at two separate burn centers, one in San Antonio and the other in California. 

A fund has been set up for these people. 

You can contribute and assist these people with the inevitable medical bills, which are going to be considerable, by making a donation in their name at any Amegy Bank of Texas location (visit www.amegybank.com for locations). 

Donations may also be mailed to: Amegy Bank, P.O. Box 4837, Houston, Texas 77210, to the attention of the Koonce Family Fund. 

Currently there is also being established a donation system that will allow you to make your donation with your credit card, but, for now, sending a check is the system in place. 

Can you imagine laying in a bed, in considerable pain, and wondering not just how you are going to fight your way back to health, but also how you are going to pay the bills? Add to that terrible situation, also wondering how your little  daughter, or your father, is doing. 

Help now. These good people need our assistance. 

FINALLY

Brennan’s of Houston will re-open. The Brennan family is strong, and these are truly good people. 

They are assessing the situation and determining the best path for them to literally rise from the ashes. 

For now, the pressing matter is helping these people whose future health is very much in doubt.

Please do what you can today.  Thank you for all you can do.