Crime Stoppers of Houston Raises Over $2 Million Dollars at Raise ‘Em Up for Texas Annual Gala

Linda McIngvale Mattress Mack Jim McIngvale Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale Mackey Matt Mackey Jonathan Zadok Michelle Zadok Dror Zadok Helene Zadok 1 Houston Crime Stoppers

The theme of the Crime Stoppers of Houston’s annual gala, “Raise ‘Em Up for Texas”, was all about big hats, big hearts, and grand celebration of wins. Chaired by dynamic couples Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey and Matt Mackey, along with Michelle and Jonathan Zadok, the event took place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at The Revaire and raised over $2 million to support Crime Stoppers’ mission to combat crime and keep children across Texas safe through its Safe School Institute. The event soared to new heights thanks to strategic chairs, Vanessa Ames and Jordan Seff, whose leadership and wide-ranging vision created an unforgettable evening for all.

The lavish celebration united over 400 generous supporters, community advocates, elected officials, and law enforcement from across the state for a lively Texas-themed party which kicked off with an energetic happy hour, offering guests opportunities to support the night’s exciting silent auction and raffle.  

Houston Media Icon Dave Ward welcomed guests into the main ballroom with pre-recorded messages, followed by an entertaining opening from emcee and auctioneer Johnny Bravo, including a message from Houston Mayor John Whitmire who thanked Crime Stoppers for its steadfast support to help keep our city safe. Before dinner, Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious spoke about the important mission of Crime Stoppers, offering insights on the organization’s unique safety programs and highlighting the work of the Safe School Institute, which tirelessly strives to keep schools across Texas safe.

Guests were entertained by the band Nobody’s Fool while savoring a delicious dinner featuring steaks donated by Ben Berg and the Berg Hospitality Group.

The action-packed program continued with remarks from special guest Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor and President of the University of Houston, who joined to celebrate the community efforts of Crime Stoppers. In her speech, she highlighted a campus incident where many lives were potentially saved when an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers helped prevent a mass shooting.

The festivities continued with a thrilling live auction by Johnny Bravo, designed to raise funds in support of the Crime Stoppers mission. Then, special guest and recent Stratford High School graduate Seven “Shamir” Francis shared his story reflected of experiences faced by millions of teenagers. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Crime Stoppers, highlighting how it serves as a counterbalance to the serious challenges kids face today by providing positive messaging and resources to help them make safer choices regardless of their circumstances.

Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious continued the evening by introducing the McIngvale Family Humanitarian Award, named in honor of the McIngvale Family for their outstanding benevolent efforts and support to the community during times of crisis, as well as their investment in the work of Crime Stoppers. Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey and ‘Mattress Mack’ Jim McIngvale joined Rania on stage to present the inaugural award to The John M. O’Quinn Foundation, represented by Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Wilson. This award recognized the foundation’s support of the Safe School Institute through a historic $500,000 gift, marking a significant first step in helping Crime Stoppers provide safety resources to children across Texas. Immediately afterward, Crime Stoppers debuted a video announcing its 2025 Million for Million campaign, which aims to reach one million students with safety resources. To help achieve this goal, Johnny Bravo led a Paddles Up call for donations, resulting in an impressive additional amount of $500,000 raised.  

To help celebrate this huge accomplishment, Oscar award-winning actor and Crime Stoppers friend Matthew McConaughey sent a special video message.

The evening wrapped up with Zadok Jewelers announcing Oscar Martinez as the lucky winner of the ring raffle, followed by some fun country dancing!

Thursday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including Entertainment Sponsor Inscription Capital/Patrick Keller; Provisions Sponsor Berg Hospitality Group; Auction Sponsor Connectivity Source/Scott and Lindsay Aronstein, Printing Sponsor Kelley Stephen Lubanko, Water Bottle Sponsor Erin Stetzer Homes, Happy Hour Sponsor Marfa Spirit Company, Valet Sponsor Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston; President Sponsor C. James & Carole Walter Looke Family Fund; Governor Sponsor Seff and Ames Family; Mayor Sponsors Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Susan Boggio, Amerapex, Innovative Legal Solutions, Jane Johnstone – in Memory of the Honorable Mike McSpadden, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, The McIngvale Family, Hildebrand Foundation and Zadok Jewelers; and Commissioner Sponsors Charlie and Melissa Weldon, Deborah and William Walker, Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Kevin and Brooke Lee and Natalie and Steven Mohtashami, Meg and Dick Weekley.

Additional supporters include Dylan and Jordan Seff, Chuck and Vanessa Ames, Eric Elder, Caroline and Matthew Monday, John Eddie and Sheridan Williams, Brooke and Kevin Lee, June and Steve Barth, Laura and Dave Ward, Dana Barton and Robert Clay, Charlie and Melissa Weldon, Laura and Ned Davenport, Natalie and Steve Mohtashami, Shane Treleaven, and Jillian and Yuri Waldo.

Notable guests include United States Senator Ted Cruz, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, City Council Member Willie Davis, Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz, and Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen.

Visit www.crime-stoppers.org for additional information on Crime Stopper’s programs, resources and events.

Halloween Safety

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Halloween Safety Houston Crime Stoppers

Halloween is a time of magic and fun, but it also brings certain risks that parents need to be aware of. With millions of children out trick-or-treating each year, the potential for accidents and dangerous incidents increases. According to the National Safety Council, Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, with children being particularly vulnerable—children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to other days. Additionally, the rise of fentanyl-laced candy has become a concerning trend. Law enforcement agencies have warned that counterfeit candy and drugs can end up in Halloween treats, posing a severe risk to unsuspecting children. Parents must teach their kids to be vigilant about the treats they accept and to avoid any that look suspicious or come from unknown sources.

Halloween sees a significant increase in pedestrian traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 71% of fatal crashes involving pedestrians occur in the dark, which is why costume safety is crucial. Visibility matters, as nearly 30% of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involve children aged 4 to 15. Choose bright, reflective costumes or add glow sticks to enhance visibility. Additionally, opt for costumes made from non-flammable materials, as the U.S. Fire Administration reports that Halloween-related fires are common. Always accompany young children while trick-or-treating and set rules for older kids to stick to well-lit areas. Encourage your children to remain mindful of their surroundings, look both ways before crossing streets, and stay on sidewalks whenever possible.

If your child is attending a Halloween party, ensure you know the host and the location. A survey by the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that nearly 3,000 injuries occur each Halloween at parties, often due to falls or alcohol-related incidents. It’s essential to discuss the dangers of underage drinking and substance use with your teens, as parties can sometimes lead to risky behavior. Encourage your child to use the buddy system, promoting group attendance and urging them to stay with friends throughout the event for added safety.

Finally, having an emergency preparedness plan is vital. Discuss what to do in case of an emergency and ensure your child has your contact information and knows how to reach you. Keeping a first aid kit handy is also a good idea for minor injuries, as Halloween often leads to scraped knees and other minor accidents.

Halloween can be a fun time filled with creativity and excitement, but being aware of the associated risks is crucial. By following these safety tips and staying informed, you can help protect your children from potential dangers while allowing them to enjoy the festivities. Let’s make this Halloween memorable for all the right reasons—stay safe and have fun!

Traveling with Peace of Mind this Summer!

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In recent months, five Americans, who were on separate vacations in the Turks and Caicos Islands, were arrested when bullets were discovered in their luggage during routine security checks. While the tourists claimed that the bullets were left in their bags accidentally and had no malicious intent, the local authorities have taken the matter seriously. Turks and Caicos has stringent gun control laws, and the possession of ammunition without proper authorization is a serious offense. This is an important reminder for everyone as we set off to travel this Summer!

Traveling should be an exciting adventure, whether you’re exploring a new city, hiking through a national park, or relaxing on a tropical beach. However, safety should always be a priority. From securing your home while you’re away to staying vigilant on your trip and paying attention to local laws, here are some essential tips to ensure a worry-free journey.

  1. Avoid Posting in Real-Time on Social Media

DON’T: Posting in real-time on social media not only announces your current location to the world, potentially attracting unwanted attention, but also informs the world that your home is likely empty and a great target for theft. Innocent features like geotagging on Instagram stories can make your location public to people beyond your followers. Similarly, posts in Facebook groups can sometimes be visible to a wider audience than intended.

DO: A general rule of thumb is to wait until you’ve left the destination to start sharing your experiences. An even safer option than posting in real-time is to wait until you get home to post about your travels!

  1. Research Local Scams

DON’T: Tourist destinations can attract scammers. Looking like a tourist can make you an even larger target for scams. Avoid flashy jewelry and eccentric clothes to minimize attracting attention, and don’t carry items you be devastated to lose. Don’t carry all your cash at once or keep all your money and cards in the same location.

DO: Researching local scams in addition to general travel scams can help you know what to look out for and how to protect yourself from falling victim. A quick Google search combining your destination and the word “scams” can provide valuable insights into common tricks and tactics. Keep your most valuable items like your phone, credit cards, and passport safe. Some people prefer to wear money belts, while others use jackets with inside pockets for easy access and security. Most of all, pay attention to your surroundings. Most petty thefts and scams occur while people are distracted. Remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

  1. Understand Local Laws and Regulations

Don’t: Different countries have different laws. Permissible actions at home, like carrying ammunition (as in the cases of the five Americans in Turks and Caicos), certain swear words, or even feeding local wildlife, might be illegal abroad. Always check local regulations before you go. Being unaware of local laws and regulations is not an excuse, and you may subject yourself to local fines, or even jail time if you do not abide by local laws and regulations.

Do: Always check local regulations before you travel. If you travel with medication, ensure it’s allowed in your destination. Some countries have strict rules about what can be brought across their borders. Be sure to carry a printed document including all contact information you may need in case of emergency. This document should include your emergency contacts, the phone number of the embassy in the country you are traveling, medical and insurance information, etc. Having this document with you at all times could be the thing that keeps you safe in a moment of crisis.

So what happened to those Americans arrested in Turks and Caicos?

Two of the five Americans have already received their punishment for their respective offenses:

  • Bryan Hagerich received a sentence of a $6,700 fine and no time serviced.
  • Tyler Wenrich received a sentence of 3-weeks, which have already been served, and a fine of $9,000
  • Ryan Watson, Sharitta Grier, and Michael Lee Evans are all still awaiting their sentences.

Traveling should be an enjoyable and enriching experience. By following these safety tips, you can protect yourself from potential risks and focus on making the most of your journey. Always stay informed, vigilant, and prepared, and you’ll be able to travel with peace of mind. Safe travels!

Empowering Voices: Celebrating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

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Every April, communities across the United States come together to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), and this year it will be observed from April 21-27,2024. This important occasion serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage of those impacted by crime, while seeking to reaffirm our collective commitment to support victims and survivors. This year, as we reflect on the theme “How Would You Help?,” we are called to action, not only to recognize the rights of crime victims, but also to actively empower their voices and uplift their stories to help them in their quest for justice and healing.

Support Victims:

At the heart of NCVRW lies a profound dedication to supporting victims of crime. Whether it’s providing access to vital resources, offering emotional support, or advocating for their rights within the criminal justice system, support for victims is paramount. Through organizations like Crime Stoppers of Houston and countless others nationwide, victims find a lifeline—a community of caring individuals committed to walking alongside them through their darkest moments. Trust is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship, and it is especially crucial in the context of victim advocacy and support. Building trust means creating safe spaces where victims feel empowered to speak out, seek help, and pursue justice without fear of judgment or retaliation. It requires a commitment from law enforcement, community leaders, and organizations to listen, validate, and respect the experiences of victims, fostering a culture of trust and empathy.

Engage Communities:

Community engagement is the catalyst for change. It is through collective action and collaboration that we can truly make a difference in the lives of crime victims. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity for communities to come together, raise awareness, and mobilize resources to support victims and survivors. From awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to volunteer opportunities and fundraising events, there are countless ways for individuals and organizations to get involved and make a meaningful impact. As we observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we hope you will join us for some of our events throughout the week.

  • April 21st: Crime Victim Rights Week Event @ Elenor Tinsley Park | 9am-11am
  • April 23rd: Crime Victims Rights Week Proclamation @ City Hall | 1:30pm
  • April 25th: Harris County PCT. 5 Recognition & Information Fair @ CrossRoad Church (700 Westgreen Blvd. Katy, TX 77450) | 9am-11am

Understanding Sexual Assault and Promoting Awareness in 2024

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Sexual assault is a pervasive issue that continues to affect individuals regardless of gender, age, race, or beliefs. Despite efforts to raise awareness and prevent such incidents, it remains a significant concern in our communities.
Sexual assault encompasses a wide range of non-consensual sexual activities, including but not limited to rape, unwanted touching, groping, and coercion into sexual acts. It is a violation of personal boundaries and autonomy, often causing profound physical and psychological harm to survivors. Awareness serves as a crucial tool in combating these cruel offenses.

Changing Dynamics in 2024

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in how sexual assault is perceived and addressed. Technology and social media have played a pivotal role in amplifying survivors’ voices and holding perpetrators accountable. Additionally, there’s a growing acknowledgment that individuals from marginalized communities may face compounded vulnerabilities. One of the cornerstones of preventing sexual assault is promoting a culture of consent. At Crime Stoppers we work to provide a heightened emphasis on educating individuals about affirmative consent, which involves enthusiastic, ongoing, and mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent is a subject that we cover in all sexual assault and unhealthy relationship prevention education starting in 6th grade.  This societal shift challenges notions of silence or lack of resistance as consent and empowers individuals to prioritize communication and respect in their relationships.

Changing Dynamics in 2024

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in how sexual assault is perceived and addressed. Technology and social media have played a pivotal role in amplifying survivors’ voices and holding perpetrators accountable. Additionally, there’s a growing acknowledgment that individuals from marginalized communities may face compounded vulnerabilities. One of the cornerstones of preventing sexual assault is promoting a culture of consent. At Crime Stoppers we work to provide a heightened emphasis on educating individuals about affirmative consent, which involves enthusiastic, ongoing, and mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent is a subject that we cover in all sexual assault and unhealthy relationship prevention education starting in 6th grade. This societal shift challenges notions of silence or lack of resistance as consent and empowers individuals to prioritize communication and respect in their relationships.

Supporting Survivors & Taking Action

Supporting survivors of sexual assault is paramount. Today, there’s a greater emphasis on providing accessible resources and services for survivors, including counseling, medical assistance, and legal advocacy. Additionally, destigmatizing survivor experiences and fostering a supportive community are integral to healing and recovery. Each of us has a role to play in combating sexual assault and promoting awareness.

Here are some ways to get involved:

  1. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about issues related to sexual assault, consent, and bystander intervention. You can request prevention education and resources through Crime Stoppers of Houston by submitting a presentation request form here:

 

  1. Speak Up: Challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate rape culture. Use your voice to advocate for survivors and promote respect and consent, especially with those closest to you. While it is sometime more difficult, it is imperative that we hold those closest to us accountable for their actions.

 

  1. Support Organizations: Contribute your time, resources, or expertise to organizations working to prevent sexual assault and support survivors. Some of our partners working in the sexual assault space include:

 

  1. Listen and Believe: Create a supportive environment for survivors by listening without judgment and believing their experiences

 

Sexual assault awareness remains a critical component of public safety and victim advocacy. By understanding the dynamics of sexual assault, promoting consent culture, supporting survivors, holding those closest to us accountable, and taking action, we can work together to reduce sexual violence in our communities. We encourage you to further your knowledge about sexual assault by visiting our resource center at: https://crime-stoppers.org/resource-center/sexual-assault