HOUSTON (October 29, 2024) – 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 it’s 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.
