A Record-Breaking Night in Houston: Crime Stoppers of Houston’s 2nd Annual “Raise ‘Em Up for Texas” Gala Unites Over 460 Guests and Raises $2 Million for Safety and Prevention Programs
HOUSTON (November 4, 2025) – More than 460 guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of big hats, big hearts, and bold generosity as Crime Stoppers of Houston hosted its highly anticipated 2nd Annual “Raise ’Em Up for Texas” Gala, presented by Glenda and Russell Gordy and the C. James & Carole Walter Looke Family Fund, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at The Revaire. Chaired by Brooke Lee, Dana Barton and Kristen Collins, the event generated $2 million to fuel the organization’s vital work of solving and preventing crime, protecting children, and building a safer, stronger Houston for all.
Guided by the theme of “Raise ’Em Up for Texas” and the visionary leadership of strategic chairs Vanessa Ames and Jordan Seff, the evening reached extraordinary heights, delivering an unforgettable program that left a lasting impact on all who attended – including supporters, community advocates, elected officials, and law enforcement from across Texas.
The night kicked off with a lively happy hour that sparked excitement and offered guests the chance to dive into the evening’s thrilling silent auction and raffle. Once seated, guests were welcomed by Johnny Bravo, followed by Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious. The evening featured a savory Texas-themed dinner, generously provided by Chris Shepherd, Ryan Bouillet of The Revaire, Truth BBQ, and Sysco.
In her opening remarks, Mankarious celebrated the power of unity, saying,
“Look around this room – it’s filled with the people who make our city what it is: caring, courageous, and committed to keeping Houston safe for every child and every family. Tonight’s generosity fuels that mission and proves once again that when Houston comes together, anything is possible.”
Among the evening’s most moving moments was a poignant address from Maurine Molak, co-founder of the David’s Legacy Foundation, who shared a deeply personal message about her 16-year-old son, David, who tragically died by suicide after enduring months of cyberbullying and online harassment. She reflected on the lack of resources and awareness at the time, both in schools and at home, that might have helped prevent his death. To honor him, she helped pass David’s Law, giving schools, parents, and law enforcement tools to address cyberbullying and support student mental health. Her foundation now partners with Crime Stoppers of Houston through The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Million for Million campaign, which has already reached over two million students with safety education and prevention resources. David’s legacy continues to inspire hope, courage, and safer communities for Texas children.
Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious surprised guests with the presentation of the 2nd McIngvale Family Humanitarian Award, honoring Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown of the Southern Smoke Foundation for their exceptional leadership, compassion, and service to the Houston community. Accepting on their behalf was Catarina Bill, Chief Mission Officer for Southern Smoke Foundation. Cat highlighted the couple’s ongoing commitment to providing mental health and family support across Texas.
The festivities soared with an electrifying Live Auction and Paddles Up fundraiser, led by Johnny Bravo, sparking a wave of Texas-sized generosity throughout the room. The evening culminated in a major announcement: Crime Stoppers of Houston is launching a NEW “Women’s Collective” comprised of 50 women who will join Crime Stoppers in their 2026 efforts as well as the organization’s next ambitious goal – to reach 10 million Texas students in 2026 and launch the SafeSpace Student Hub, a first-of-its-kind digital platform offering students a safe, confidential place to seek help, resources, and guidance.
The night wrapped up with toe-tapping, honky-tonk energy from Nobody’s Fool, lively dancing, and a celebration of a Houston community brought together by heart, grit, and a shared mission.
Thursday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including Meat Sponsor Sysco, Smoke Sponsor Truth BBQ, Entertainment Sponsor Inscription Capital/Team Keller, Auction Sponsor Duckstache Hospitality, Happy Hour Sponsor Marfa Spirit Co, Cocktail Napkin Sponsor Schaefer Outfitter, Photo Booth Sponsor United Protective Services, Water Bottle Sponsor US Anesthesia Partners; Governor Sponsors Chuck and Vanessa Ames and Dylan and Jordan Seff; Mayor Sponsors Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith and Hallie Vanderhider, Amerapex, Innovative Legal Solutions, Hildebrand Fund, Sippy and Ajay Khurana; Commissioner Sponsors Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Kevin and Brooke Lee.
Additional supporters include 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, Sheri 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, Donna and Norman Lewis, Barnett Gershen, Fady Armanious, Bill Baldwin, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Eduardo and Maria Morales and many more.
Notable guests include State Texas Senator Joan Huffman, State Representative Lacey Hull, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz, Harris County Sheriff Office Captain Ben Katrib, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, City Council Member Twila Carter, Willie Davis, Fred Flickinger, Mary Nan Huffman and Julian Ramirez, Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton, Harris County District Court Judges Emily DeToto, Lori DeAngelo, Peyton Peebles, Aaron Burdette, Lance Long, Dan Simons, Carolyn Dozier, and Texas Court of 14th Court of Appeals Ken Wise.
For more information, visit crime-stoppers.org.
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Posted by on 6 Nov 2025