Houston’s Crime Fighters Get a Firsthand Look at Aftermath of Bombs, Shootings and Hurricanes: Hope After Tragedy

What: Crime Stoppers of Houston gala dinner

Where: The Hyatt Regency Houston

PC Moment: So many moving and inspirational words from a lengthy cast of noble citizenry confirmed Crime Stoppers focus on the importance of community collaboration in solving problems and the equally important element of hope after tragedy. That emphasis on hope resonated through the gathering at which the memory of Hurricane Harvey’s destruction was still too near to the surface.

The message of hope was delivered home by keynote speaker Bob Woodruff, the ABC international correspondent who suffered traumatic brain injury as a result of a roadside bomb in Iraq, and guest speaker Alissa Parker, the mother of Emilie Parker, one of the 20 first graders killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Joining the discussion before the nearly 500 guests were newscaster Dave Ward, for whom the Crime Stoppers new building is named, Crime Stoppers executive director Rania Mankarious and dinner chairs Soraya and Scott McClelland.

KPRC news anchor Dominique Sachse served as emcee of the evening that raised more than $308,000 for Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line program. Receiving special recognition was the Hyatt Regency Houston and managing director Tom Netting in thanks for the hotel joining Crime Stoppers in co-hosting the fundraiser.

A notable collection of elected officials showed their support for Crime Stoppers. They included Mayor Sylvester TurnerHarris County District Attorney Kim Ogg,
Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle, Harris County attorney Vince Ryan, and seven additional City Council members.

Who: Joella and Steve Mach (chairman of the Texas Public Safety Commission), Tena Lundquist Faust, Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Tasos Katsaounis, Vicki Rizzo, Sima Ladjevardian, Nick Florescu, Susan Boggio, Roula Christie, Chita Craft, Miya Shay, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Tina and Dave Strickland, Laura and Charles Neff,  and Norma and Tony Najjar.