Mira Sorvino, Crime-Fighters Unite Against Human Trafficking, Bring in $1M at Glam Downtown Gala

Quy Tran
Mira Sorvino, Crime-Fighters Unite Against Human Trafficking, Bring in $1M at Glam Downtown Gala

Joanne King Herring, Mira Sorvino, Rania Mankarious

NEARLY 400 SUPPORTERS of Crime Stoppers of Houston gathered at the Hilton Americas hotel Downtown for the group's annual fundraising gala, which this year was dubbed "Leading the Way to a Safer Houston."


Chaired by Jennifer and Chris "Kip" Hohan, the evening included remarks by Crime Stoppers board member Lindsay Aronstein and CEO Rania Mankarious. Jennifer returned to the mic to share stories of human-trafficking survivors, all of whom were in attendance, and stood as their testimony was read aloud. They all received a standing ovation for their bravery and boldness.

KHOU anchor Mia Gradney moderated a discussion with actress Mira Sorvino, who recently starred in the hit movie Sound of Freedom. She shared her personal connection to the fight against human trafficking, as well as anecdotes from throughout her career.

Finally, a "paddles up" segment garnered thousands in donations, and galagoer Vanessa Ames was the lucky recipient of two Zadok Jewelers gift cards. In total, the evening, which honored corporate sponsor GOYA Cares, raised more than $1 million for Crime Stoppers of Houston.

Vicki Rizzo, Leisa Holland Nelson

Chuck Ames, Vanessa Ames, Jordan Seff, Jennifer Hohman

Kim Ogg, Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith

Tena Faust, Tyson Faust

Jay Zeidman, Anat Zeidman, Matt Mackey, Elizabeth McIngvale, Jonathan Zadok

Recognition of survivors

Omar Khan, Joanne King Herring, Gabby Baptista, Mario Baptista, Maha Khan, Jill Talisman, Anna Reger, John Reger, Charlie Talisman

"Last Paddle Standing" winner Vanessa Ames

Mia Gradney and Mira Sorvino on stage at Crime Stoppers of Houston's gala

Lauren Rhea, Cabell Wood, Kelly Canova, Diana Bridger

John and Cathy Crapitto

Misty Wall, Jenna Rudoff

Parties
With Expertise in Blondes, Extensions and More, the Janelle Alexis Team Is a Go-To Salon

YOU CAN'T LIMIT Janelle to one title – Hairdresser. Her career and business has been established and built on a strong foundation. Using her two business degrees + one more in-process, this enables Janelle and the team to deliver not only a customer-focused experience, but a foundationally solid business. There is much more than meets the eye, and in sharing a little bit about Janelle, she was not only an international hair extension educator for over 14 years, but brings extensive expertise to blondes. She rounds this out with her previously launched namesake cosmetic line, which is a perfect complement to her belief that “Beauty is our Business”.

Keep Reading Show less

The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck

VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

THE UPCOMING AIA Houston Home Tour is always an anticipated fall event, a style showcase from some of the city’s best architects, designers and tastemakers. The two-day, self-guided tour includes several custom homes in the area that exhibit design excellence, innovative design solutions, and sustainable features.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate