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
‘Embrace Changes,’ Says Valobra, Whose Namesake Jewelry Store Has Become a Houston Institution
How did you get to where you are today? I had little choice in the matter; I grew up being trained to become the fourth-generation jewelry designer behind my great grandfather, grandfather, and father. It was my duty to carry on the family business and continue the hard work and success they built from nothing, beginning in Torino, Italy in 1905. I was surrounded by jewelry and its craftmanship as a young child and was taught the business from a very young age.
Keep Reading Show less

'The Swan' at Sophie (photo by Shawn Chippendale)

JUST IN TIME for the Paris games, Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar has bowed in the Montrose Collective joining neighbors Marmo and nearby Uchi.

Keep Reading Show less
Food
HOUSTON WAS DEALING with crisis levels of pet homelessness before Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on the city. But this week, Houston PetSet coordinated with The Babinski Foundation, an animal shelter in Minnesota, to provide relief across multiple channels.
Keep Reading Show less
People + Places