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 […]
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 […]
Crime Stoppers of Houston Slams One Out of the Park at Annual Gala – Over $1,355,000 Raised for Crime Solving and Prevention Programs A Historic Evening ‘On the Field’ Honors Houston Leaders, Remembers Crime Victims and Calls for Community to Unite to Fight Crime HOUSTON (November 18, 2022) – Crime Stoppers of Houston’s ‘Leading the Way to a Safer Houston’ Annual Gala, chaired by Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, was held on November 13, 2022 on the field at Minute Maid Park and raised a record-setting over $1,355,000 for crime prevention programs and critically-needed victim services. This memorable event brought together 500 generous supporters, courageous victims of crime, devoted community advocates, elected officials and law enforcement from across Texas for a moving evening that honored Houston leaders, remembered innocent lives lost to senseless violence, and called for communities to come together and unite with Crime Stoppers in making Houston a safer place for all. “During a time when we all agree crime is the number one issue in Houston, we look forward to working with all community members and all community leaders on solutions. Public safety must be the place where partnerships begin and politics ends. For the sake of […]
Response from Justin Vickrey, Chairman, Crime Stoppers of Houston As Chairman of Crime Stoppers of Houston’s board of directors, I’ve been reflecting on the problems at hand with rampant violent crime going unfettered in Harris County and we are once again finding ourselves providing comment on baseless attacks derived in political theater. Crime Stoppers of Houston (CSoH) has stayed consistent in its mission for 42 years. What has changed is the current political environment and recent efforts to politicize crime. As the election season comes upon us and crime remains the #1 issue, we are left wondering like everyone else when the focus will be on crime rather than Crime Stoppers. We have heard that crime is not very bad, and Houston is in the middle of the pack when it comes to the per capita murder rate. Tell that to the 1,880 murder victims and their families over the last 3-1/2 years alone. Of those, there is immense agony among families of 181 victims who know their loved one would still be here had the repeat violent felony offender who murdered them was held accountable as a danger to society and detained. The 207 victims killed this year equates to 355 […]
HOUSTON (June 22, 2022) – The region’s top law enforcement leaders – including Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Houston Police Department Executive Chief Matt Slinkard, and three of the area’s eight elected constables – joined Crime Stoppers of Houston, State Senator John Whitmire, local business icon Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, and the family of slain nine-year-old Arlene Alvarez this morning in a bipartisan appeal for unity and action fighting violent crime in our area. Gathering under the auspices of Crime Stoppers’ first-ever State of Public Safety press conference, the hour-long event featured a wide-ranging discussion on the effects of violent crime and some of the causes of the current issues – including discretionary felony bond reforms where repeat violent offenders are released into the community, gun violence, and case backlog. “Public safety is important to everyone in this, or any, community – and Crime Stoppers of Houston has been supporting local law enforcement for over 40 years,” said Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious. “This work has arguably never been more important, and speaking for our entire team we are all in – committed to working with the law enforcement leaders with us today, and […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2022 On Thursday, April 21, 2022, Crime Stoppers of Houston (CSoH) CEO welcomed Senator John Cornyn (R) and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D) to the Dave Ward Crime Stoppers of Houston building to address bipartisan efforts that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking against women and hear more of these efforts to protect our citizens. But during that meeting, CSoH was bombarded by multiple coordinated stories rooted in partisan noise. For Over 40 Years Let’s begin with the basic fact that for over 40 years, CSoH has stayed true to its mission to solve and prevent crime in partnership with citizens, media and the criminal justice system. During this time, we have studied crime trends and issues, identifying points of concern for the community, listened to the cries of victims and worked hard to offer solutions. We have never deviated from the mission and have, and continue to build solutions with and for all. The Politicization of Crime Sadly, community safety is no longer a common goal. We are in election year and a season where crime and “public safety” are now “political.” The goal of this […]
In this episode of The Balanced Voice Podcast, Matthew McConaughey challenges us to use life’s hardships to enact change in ourselves, impact the world around us, and propel our society forward. Today on the balanced voice we are thrilled to welcome Texas’s very own Matthew McConaughey. Matthew’s life motto “just keep livin’ is the cornerstone in all he does. From his foundation that aims to keep kids from choosing a life of crime by providing them with opportunities to lead healthy lives, to his ongoing dedication to The Lone Star State, He clearly defines his own non-negotiable. In today’s balanced conversation we ultimately answer this question: “How do we live in the present, honor the past, and advocate for a better future?” Watch on Facebook: Listen on Spreaker. Encouragement to Our Team: Our team was honored to sit down with Matthew McConaughey. Matthew was gracious enough to offer words of encouragement to our entire team and members of our board as well as thank us for all we do. McConaughey told us, “Your work is in the shadows. People want to glance at it but not look too long. Our successes may not be on the front page, but do […]
HOUSTON (January 22, 2021) – Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott held a roundtable discussion in Austin with law enforcement and public safety advocates to discuss his legislative priorities to ensure a safer future for the Lone Star State. Crime Stoppers of Houston fully supports the Governor’s proposed initiatives to reform a ‘broken bail system’. As the leading public safety organization in Texas, Crime Stoppers of Houston identified this trend as a public safety concern early on and has been addressing this for nearly 2 years. In late 2019, Crime Stoppers’ Director of Victim Services, Andy Kahan, noticed a concerning pattern with defendants charged with murder: many of them had been released on multiple felony bonds, bond forfeiture and/or a personal bond. He began studying the issue and in mid-March 2020 began tracking the issue based on data from court records. In each case Andy tracks, the victims were killed by a Harris County suspect who: was a defendant who had been released on multiple felony bonds; or had a bond forfeiture reinstated; or had a motion to revoke bond denied; and/or was released on a PR Bond. Today, we are releasing Andy’s latest report that outlines 90 people who have been […]
Crime Stoppers Director of Victim Services Andy Kahan participated in Town Hall held Tuesday, January 19 by Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey. Community leaders, law enforcement, and residents were invited to engage in public discussion of the challenges and possible solutions. Andy shared information about his research findings on the ramifications of bail reform. Check out this recap of the Town Hall written by Holly Hansen of The Texan.
Segment 8 of our Breaking Bond Series with FOX 26 Houston. Once again, another violent offender is let out on bond even after his mom pleads with the court not to allow him to bond out. Now, Pope might be looking at a potential life sentence resulting from a string of violent crimes, including his shootout with Houston Police Department officers just 3 days ago. Watch below: Link: https://www.fox26houston.com/news/breaking-bond-violent-offenders-own-mother-tells-judge-her-son-is-a-menace-to-society.amp?fbclid=IwAR28JNpv61O5XNG5NL1kU_hWRYI6VhmBy10acrxiG5-LkoY0vvsjpArwyXo