A “Raise ‘Em Up” Night of Celebration at Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala

A “Raise ‘Em Up” Night of Celebration at Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala

Crime Stoppers of Houston “raised ‘em up” high and far as more than 460 guests celebrated Texas-style, marking an unforgettable night of big hats and big hearts that raised $2 million to support the organization’s ongoing efforts. Glenda and Russell Gordy and the C. James & Carole Walter Looke Family Fund presented this second annual “Raise ‘Em Up for Texas” Gala, which was chaired by Brooke Lee, Dana Barton and Kristen Collins with strategic chair support from Vanessa Ames and Jordan Seff.

A lively happy hour kicked off the event, giving the crowd the opportunity to view the thrilling silent auction and raffle. Upon entering the ballroom, Houston’s own auctioneer and entertainer Johnny “Bravo” Holloway gave everyone a warm “Howdy-Do” Lone Star State welcome. Making her way to the podium, Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious spoke proudly about how those in the ballroom were “caring, courageous and committed to keeping Houston safe for every child and every family.” The exciting Texas-themed dinner was created by renowned chef and restaurateur Chris Shepherd, along with several other notable chefs.

One of the evening program’s most memorable and poignant moments occurred when Maurine Molak, co-founder of the David’s Legacy Foundation, formed when her son died by suicide after enduring months of cyberbullying and online harassment. Her heroic efforts got David’s Law passed, which gives schools, parents, and law enforcement tools to address cyberbullying and support student mental health. The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Million for Million Campaign has partnered with the foundation, reaching over two million students with safety education and resources.

Continuing the festivities, the previously mentioned Chris Shepherd and wife Lindsey Brown of the Southern Smoke Foundation were honored for exceptional leadership, compassion and service to the city. Southern Smoke’s Chief Mission Officer, Catarina Bill, accepted the award on their behalf. Emcee “Johnny B” then put his auctioneer hat on to lead the Live Auction and Paddles Up portion of the fundraiser. The “Big Hoorah” culminated in the announcement of Crime Stoppers’ new “Women’s Collective,” comprising 50 women who will join the organization in the coming year, and the goal of reaching 10 million Texas students. The SafeSpace Student Hub will also be launched, a digital platform offering students a safe, confidential place to seek help, resources and guidance.

The gala was aptly named, as glasses were raised, paddles were raised even higher and pocketbooks tipped the scales to give Crime Stoppers a night worthy of celebration, which continued as the dance floor was packed to the sounds of the band Nobody’s Fool.

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Tiffany Herd, Eric and Lisa Elder, Alex and Tammy Janos, Hallie Vanderhider, Brigitte Kalai, Kari Lynd, Alicia Smith, Natalie and Steve Mohtashami, Kyle and Erin Cummings, Charlie and Melissa Weldon, George and Price Breen, Snehal Amin and Adrienne Amin, Jessica Leeke, Carla and Tony Maarraoui, Karen and Lohn Zylicz, Ziad Fleyhan, Frank and Jill Stagg, Robert and Dana Clay, Catherine and Peter Badger, Kristen Collins, Pam Connealy, Mayes and Macy Middleton, Megan and Walker Weston, Meredith and Ben Marshall, Seth and Hannah Siegel-Gardner, Sarah and Charlie Boardman, Stacy and Jason Johnson, Anna Reger, Sherri Zucker, Trini Mendenhall, Phillip Royalty, Jeff Nadalo, Farida Abjani, Maria Moncada- Alaoui and Omar Alaoui, Susan Boggio, KHOU Great Day Houston Host Deborah Duncan, Laura Ward, Mike Metz, Vuk Vujasinovic and Ofelia Vujasinovic, Tony Bradfield, Barnett Gershen, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Eduardo and Maria Morales, Texas Senator Joan Huffman, State Representative Lacey Hull, Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz