Event Date: May 1, 2023
Location: Royal Sonesta Hotel
Event: Luncheon
Beneficiary: Crime Stoppers of Houston
No. in attendance: 290
Money Raised: $230,000
Honorees: Detective Frank Muniz, Alison Steele, Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation, KRBE The Roula and Ryan Morning Show, Susan Boggio, Jim and Whitney Crane & The Astros Foundation and Bill Balleza
Presenting Sponsor: Aramco
Emcee: Courtney Zavala
Photography: Quy Tran
Larger-Than-Life People Were Appreciated for their Larger-Than-Life Contributions at Annual Crime Stoppers Houston Heroes Luncheon
Crime Stoppers of Houston honored larger-than-life community heroes who have made incredible contributions to public safety at its annual Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon, presented by Aramco, where more than 290 supporters helped raise over $230,000 to support this organization in making our communities safer.
Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious and Board Chair Lindsay Aronstein welcomed guests to the always heartwarming luncheon and introduced media personality and emcee Courtney Zavala, who provided an inspiring presentation of awards, recognizing each of the admirable honorees with words reflective of their contributions, generosity, and committed investment to our communities.
Taking well-deserved bows for their efforts to make a better Houston, included Katy ISD Police Detective Frank Muniz for his 29-year impact in law enforcement; Alison Steele, originator of the CLEAR Alert for Missing Adults-a tribute to her daughter which became Texas law; Jordan Seff, for her philanthropic contributions; Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation for their philanthropy; 104.1 KRBE The Roula and Ryan Morning Show for the Crime Stoppers Safe School Institute; Susan Boggio for her contributions to children and animals; Jim and Whitney Crane & The Astros Foundation for contributions to the community, victim advocacy and public safety; and former Channel 2 news anchor Bill Balleza, now retired, who was personally chosen by Dave Ward to receive this prestigious honor. Unfortunately, Dave could not attend, but he sent his heartfelt and profound congratulations via audio message and asked his wife, Laura Ward, to present the award to Bill on his behalf.
“Houston is an incredible city built on the shoulders of absolutely spectacular people. As Harris County comes out of a difficult season of concerning crime rates, Crime Stoppers of Houston wanted to pause and honor those who really stepped in and stepped up,” said Rania Mankarious.
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Sheridan Williams, Brigitte Kalai, Amy Leibman, Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein, Genny McIntyre, Jonathan Zadok, Patricia King-Ritter, Matt Mackey, Sam and Barney Gershen, Jennifer Hohman, Alicia Smith, Michelle Heinz, Linda Levy, Amy Pierce, Christine Johnson, Melanie Meeks, Trey Strake, Ricardo and Joan Nazario, Kim Ogg, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Judges Andrea Beall, Erika Ramirez and Lori Chambers Gray, Councilmembers Mike Knox, Dave Martin and Amy Peck, Constable Alan Rosen, Police Chief Noe Diaz, Katy ISD Police Chief Henry Gaw, Aldine ISD Police Chief Paul Cordova, Houston Police Department Lieutenant Tiffany Jefferson and Commander Jim Dale
