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 all who call Houston home, we are committed to doing our part and are thankful for the growing community behind us.” said Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious and Gala Co-Chair Sheridan Williams.

As guests stepped on the field at Minute Maid Park, the Home of World Champions, they were met with many surprises – a thrilling World Series Championship video, a chance to take a photo with the World Series Trophy, a fun #UnitedforPublicSafety photo station and much more. The lively cocktail reception, with décor designed by Richard Flowers at The Events Company reflected the uniqueness of the evening.

Once at their seats, the program kicked off with a compelling welcome message from Houston Media Icon and longtime Crime Stoppers supporter Dave Ward. Immediately following Dave, a group of Crime Stoppers’ children, whose mothers work at the organization, took to the stage to introduce mistress of ceremonies AT&T SportsNet and Astros sideline reporter Julia Morales. The celebration continued with remarks from supporters Jim and Whitney Crane who welcomed the crowd and shared their commitment for Crime Stoppers and the need for all of us to make the safety of Houston a priority.

Committed to public safety, gala co-chair Sheridan Williams, who has made it her personal mission to help victims of violent crime, took to the stage to address the audience. Sheridan delivered a heart-felt and important message about the need for the community to come together and was joined by Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner to honor three police officers recently involved in a shoot-out. Sheridan then continued with the honoring of Professional Baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, United States Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Jim McIngvale, Mattress Mack. The honorees have a history of supporting Houston and Crime Stoppers but this year, have all risen to do so much more. All three mentioned the need for the community to come together to address crime and Jim McIngvale closed the comments with a call to do “what’s right” and made a historic and emotional gift of $300,000 to the organization.

After dinner, Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious offered a powerful delivery that touched on overcoming adversity and the work of Crime Stoppers, followed by remarks from Crime Stoppers Chairman of the Board Justin Vickrey.

Crime Stoppers Director of Victim Services Andy Kahan joined Rania to facilitate a conversation with surviving family members, Aimee Castillo and Glinda Martin, Lourdes Medina and Bob Nuelle who joined to courageously share their stories:

• Aimee Castillo and Glinda Martin, Aimee is the sister and Glinda is the mother of Joshua Sandoval who was murdered during a home-invasion robbery.

• Lourdes Medina, daughter of Martha Medina. Martha was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who was tragically killed during an attempted robbery while getting breakfast for her family

• Bob Nuelle, father of Elizabeth Barraza, who was murdered in her own driveway while setting up for a garage sale.

The Fireside Chat with the victim families concluded with a video in memory of lives cut short allegedly by defendants released on multiple felony bonds, felony pr bonds, and/or bond forfeiture. Victim families were recognized on stage as their loved ones’ photo was shown.

The evening closed with an exciting “Last Paddle Standing” led by gala co-chair John Eddie Williams, who was joined on stage by Jim and Whitney Crane, Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, and Houston Astros Executive Director Paula Harris. Zadok Jewelers made a generous donation of two gift cards that were bid on by the audience. In close, Jim and Whitney Crane promised to match the generous and historic gift from Jim McIngvale causing this evening to the be most money raised for the organization in its 42-year history.

Sunday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including Legacy Leader sponsors Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, The Astros Foundation – Jim and Whitney Crane, Jim and Carole Walter Looke, Russell and Glenda Gordy; Safety Champions Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, and Hallie Vanderhider; Safety Trailblazers Hildebrand Fund; and Community Front-Runners Clear Channel Outdoor, Faust Family, Tama Lundquist and Dr. Peter Farrell, Jordan Seff, Jennifer Hohman, and Zadok Jewelers.

Additional guests included Paula Harris, Dror and Helen Zadok, Jonathan Zadok, Margaret Alkek Williams, Susan Boggio, Rachel Bagwell, Dancie Ware, Jim Ware, Laura Ward, Akash Patel, Cathy and John Crapitto, Travis Dorroh, Krislyn Vickrey, Logan Leal Dresser, Anna Reger, Jill and Charlie Talisman, Hazem Ahmed, Lawrence and Linda Levy, Matt Mackey, Michelle and Mike Heinz, Shana Jones, Nancy and Don Woo, Oscar Martinez, Scott and Lindsay Aronstein, Tena and Tyson Faust, Amy Leibman, Vivian King, Chris Massey, Trip McIngvale, Genny and John McIntyre, Patricia and Tom Ritter, Tissy and Rusty Hardin, Jay Ziedman, Franco Valobra, Vicki Rizzo, Dr. Richard Stasney, Kathryn Stasney Childers, Jeff Stearns, Sean Stewart, Carvana Cloud, Sonya and Jeff Vaden, Andy Allen, Wendy Baimbridge, Ryan Patrick, Darcel and Fenner Weller, and many others.

Leaders from the city, county and state were all involved in the nonpartisan event. Notable guests include Senator Joan Huffman, Senator John Whitmire, State Representative Ann Johnson, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Houston City Council Members Amy Peck, Mike Knox, Mary Nan Huffman, and Abbie Kamin, Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen, Metro Police Department Chief Vera Bumpers, Bellaire Police Department Chief Onesimo Lopez, and Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz.

If you were not able to attend, you may still support the Crime Stoppers mission online here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/3u1w/n?vid=sh9l6

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