Crime Stoppers “Hits One Out of the Park” at its Annual Gala

Crime Stoppers “Hits One Out of the Park” at its Annual Gala

Minute Maid Park, our World Champion Houston Astros’ sacred home, was the scene as 500 generous supporters and chairpersons Sheridan and John Eddie Williams gathered on the pristine field to raise $1,355,000, which supports crime prevention programs and critically needed victim services at Crime Stoppers of Houston.

Upon arrival to the field, guests were treated to an exciting cocktail reception, a World Series Championship video, a World Series Trophy photo opportunity, and a 360° photo station. Once seated, Houston Hero Dave Ward welcomed guests with a video message, followed by Crime Stoppers’ children introduction of media personality and the evening’s emcee Julia Morales. Poignant remarks to the crowd continued with Astros owner Jim Crane and his wife Whitney, chair Sheridan Williams and HPD Chief Troy Finner. Houston legends, strong supporters of Crime Stoppers and the evening’s honorees were then presented to thundering applause. Williams and Finner presented Baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee and Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, who closed the presentation with a moving speech and then made an historic and emotional gift of $300,000 to the organization.

After a sumptuous dinner, Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious delivered a short and powerful speech and gathered on-stage for a “Fireside Chat” with surviving family members of those who were lives were cut short by violence. Aimee Castillo and Glinda Martin, Lourdes Medina and Bob Nuelle joined the conversation to share their stories of slain family members.

Co-chair John Eddie Williams reprised his role as the leader of “Last Paddle Standing.” He was joined by Jim and Whitney Crane, Jeff Bagwell, Chief Troy Finner and Astros Executive Director Paula Harris. Zadok Jewelers generously donated two gift cards for audience bidding. At closing, the Cranes matched Jim McIngvale’s contribution, which made the money raised from this event the highest received in its 42-year history! A Home-Run Event!

Socially present (not previously mentioned):  Jim and Carole Walter Looke, Russell and Glenda Gordy, Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Hallie Vanderhider, Faust Family, Tama Lundquist and Dr. Peter Farrell, Jordan Seff, Jennifer Hohman, Paula Harris, Dror and Helene Zadok, Jonathan Zadok, Margaret Alkek Williams, Susan Boggio, Rachel Bagwell, Dancie and Jim Ware, Laura Ward, Akash Patel, Cathy and John Crapitto, Nancy and Don Woo, Tena and Tyson Faust, Vicki Rizzo, Senator Joan Huffman, Senator John Whitmire, State Representative Ann Johnson, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen, Metro Police Department Chief Vera Bumpers, Bellaire Police Department Chief Onesimo Lopez, and Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz