parties

Houston 'Stands Up and Shows Up,' Crime Stoppers’ Gala Garners More than a Million

CatchLight Group
Houston 'Stands Up and Shows Up,' Crime Stoppers’ Gala Garners More than a Million

Jordan Seff, Brigitte Kalai, Hallie Vanderhider and Rania Mankarious

YET ANOTHER ORGANIZATION threw a million-dollar fundraising event: This time, it was Crime Stoppers of Houston, whose annual gala at the Hilton Americas raised a record-setting $1.04 million, much of which will fund a new Safe Community Research Center.

More than 500 guests joined CEO Rania Mankarious to toast the 41st year of "standing up and showing up" to do something about crime. The night kicked off with a cocktail reception, at which patrons oohed and ahed over the raffle item, an E-Z Go Express S4 golf cart.

Inside the ballroom, folks were seated for dinner and the rest of the program. Matthew McConaughey sent a surprise video message, and gala co-chairs Amy Leibman, Genny McIntyre and Sheridan Williams also spoke to the audience about the importance of protecting the community for generations to come.

The main issue discussed was felony bond reform, and the evening featured an emotional discussion among families of victims who were allegedly killed by defendants released on felony bonds.

Scott and Lindsay Aronstein, Patricia King-Rittter and Tom Ritter

Honoree Dave Ward

Andy Kahan, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Amy Leibman and Senator Joan Huffman

Caldwell Flores, Katie Jones and Cherie Flores

Bill Baldwin, Hallie Vanderhider and Fady Armanious

Ramy and Rania Mankarious, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Laura Ward

The colorful cocktail reception

Justin and Krislyn Vickrey

Conversation with special guests Paul Castro, Theresa Seck and Chuck Cook

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Parties
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: Spindletop Community Impact Partners Engages and Supports At-Risk Youth

The 50th Annual Spindletop Holiday Ball, Seas and Greetings, will be held on Thursday, December 12. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are available now.

What is your mission? Spindletop Community Impact Partners, Inc. enhances the lives of at-risk youth through funding and volunteering from the energy industry, while promoting fellowship and networking among its participants.

Keep Reading Show less