Crime Stoppers of Houston’s Annual Gala Raises Over $1 Million Dollars at Powerful Evening with Honoree GOYA Cares and Actress Mira Sorvino
The Crime Stoppers of Houston ‘Leading the Way to a Safer Houston’ Annual Gala, chaired by Jennifer and Chris ‘Kip’ Hohman, was held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel and raised over $1 million dollars to further the Crime Stoppers crime-fighting mission. The event, graciously presented by C. James and Carole Walter Looke Family Fund, brought together 380 generous supporters, courageous survivors, devoted community advocates, elected officials and law enforcement from across Texas for a poignant evening that put the spotlight on the movement against human trafficking.
The Thursday affair began with a lively cocktail reception, program booths, fun photo stations, opportunities to support the important work of Crime Stoppers and more.
Once in the Americas Ballroom, the program kicked off with a welcome message from Crime Stoppers Board Chair Lindsay Aronstein who spoke about her personal dedication to the Crime Stoppers mission before calling for a moment of silence recognizing what is taking place in Israel and around the world. Immediately following, a Crime Stoppers mission video was played, and the night continued with remarks from Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious who expressed gratitude before pausing for dinner.
“On behalf of the board, staff and gala chairs, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who supported this special event! I also extend my sincerest thanks to the victims who came and shared their stories. The Crime Stoppers’ mission means we work to thwart criminal activity before it starts while also supporting every aspect of the criminal justice system once it’s set in motion. This event helps us raise critical funds to serve in those ways and beyond. We remain thankful to all.” said Crime Stoppers OF Houston CEO Rania Mankarious
A committed ally and advocate in the fight against human trafficking, gala chair Jennifer Hohman took the stage and delivered a heart-felt, emotional message reflective of her family’s commitment by sharing the “voices” of real women in the room whose lives were forever changed by human trafficking. As Hohman read the stories, each survivor boldly stood at their seats and received a standing ovation from the room.
The festivities then continued as Crime Stoppers honored GOYA Cares and Bob Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods for their significant contributions to the anti-trafficking movement, disaster relief and much more. A special announcement was made that the Crime Stoppers city block will be named The Sergeant John Allen Wall Public Safety Block in honor John Wall, the founder of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) which brings agencies together to collaborate and find solutions.
As guests began to partake in dessert, KHOU 11 News anchor Mia Gradney welcomed special guest Mira Sorvino for a moderated conversation about the local and global fight of human trafficking. As a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for Global Fight Against Human Trafficking and Actress from ‘Sound of Freedom’, Sorvino offered insight about her passion to help others, how her involvement in anti-trafficking started, her personal experiences turned into advocacy, her career and much more.
The evening closed with a Paddles Up call for donations and exciting “Last Paddle Standing” led by Johnny Bravo Entertainment. Zadok Jewelers made a generous donation of two gift cards that were bid on by the audience with one lucky winner, Vanessa Ames!
Thursday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including Presenting Sponsor C. James and Carole Walter Looke Family Fund, Legacy Leader sponsors GOYA Cares and Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Fund; Safety Trailblazers Alicia Smith and Brigitte Kalai, Dylan and Jordan Seff, Hildebrand Foundation, Holthouse Foundation for Kids, Jane Johnstone, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, and The McIngvale Family; Community Front-Runners Zadok Jewelers; and Prevention Partners Frances Moody Buzbee and Tony Buzbee, Jennifer and Chris ‘Kip’ Hohman, Memorial Hermann and State Senator Mayes Middleton.
Additional guests included Joanne King Herring, Tena and Tyson Faust, Mayte Sera Weitzman, Jonathan Zadok, Susan Boggio, Jordan Seff, Matt Mackey, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, Sam and Barney Gershen, Kim and Dan Moody, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Kay and Fred Zeidman, Akash Patel, Cathy and John Crapitto, Sean Stewart, Wendy Craven, Chris Massey, Scott Aronstein, Oscar Martinez, Michelle and Mike Heinz, Omar and Maha Khan, Patricia and Tom Ritter, Ricardo Nazario, Don and Nancy Woo, Kathy and Paul Castro, Ali and Mark Katz, Genny and John McIntyre, Vicki Rizzo, Leisa Holland Nelson, Anna and John Reger, and many others.
Leaders from the city, county and state were all involved in the nonpartisan event. Notable guests include representatives from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s office, Deanna Harrington representing House Representative Mano DeAyala, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Roger Bridgewater representing Harris County Pct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin representing Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston City Council Members Sallie Acorn, Mike Knox, and Amy Peck, Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen, Metro Police Department Chief Vera Bumpers, Houston Police Department Lieutenant Tiffany Jefferson and Sergeant Joe Hughes, Spring Branch ISD Police Department Chief Larry Baimbridge, and Judges Erika Ramirez and Katherine Thomas.
If you were not able to attend, you may still support the Crime Stoppers mission online here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/4ac7/n?vid=11lb31
Visit www.crime-stoppers.org for additional information on Crime Stopper’s programs, resources and events.
Posted by on 19 Oct 2023