The Celebration

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, The Revaire was the scene of an uplifting celebration with over 400 supporters coming together to attend Crime Stoppers of Houston’s Raise Em Up for Texas gala. Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey and Matt Mackey, along with Michelle and Jonathan Zadok, chaired the event, the proceeds of which will go to supporting Crime Stoppers’ mission to combat crime and keep children across Texas safe through its Safe School Institute. Vanessa Ames and Jordan Seff were the strategic chairs and Johnny Bravo Holloway was the emcee and auctioneer.

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The Story

Answering the call to dress in Texas Black Tie, guests went all out sporting their best cowboy hats, boots, bling, jeans, and bolo ties. Supporters mingled with community advocates, elected officials, and law enforcement from across Texas at the lavish event. To kick off the lively evening, happy hour allowed guests the opportunity to participate in the silent auction and raffle. As participants enjoyed their steak dinner featuring steaks donated by Ben Berg and the Berg Hospitality Group, they were entertained by the Houston trio, Nobody’s Fool. The thrilling live auction featured many sought-after items. To conclude the entertaining evening, attendees took to the dance floor for some spirited country dancing.

 

The Moments​

To the delight of everyone present, media icon Dave Ward welcomed guests into the main ballroom through pre-recorded messages. Houston Mayor, John Whitmire, thanked Crime Stoppers of Houston for its commitment to keeping Houston safe. Addressing the crowd, Crime Stoppers of Houston’s CEO, Rania Mankarious, spoke about the organization’s important mission and offered insights into its unique safety programs. She also highlighted the work of the Safe School Institute, which strives to keep schools across the state safe. Special guest Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor and President of the University of Houston, related a story about how a potentially lethal campus incident was averted by an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Houston. In his address, special guest Seven “Shamir” Francis, a recent graduate of Stratford High School, shared his story, which reflects the experiences of millions of teenagers, and expressed his gratitude to Crime Stoppers of Houston for its positive messaging to teenagers, as well as the resources it provides them, which act as a counterbalance to the serious challenges faced by today’s youth.

 

Mankarious and the Mackeys, presented the inaugural 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, and their investment in the work of Crime Stoppers of Houston, to The John M. O’Quinn Foundation for its historic gift of $500,000 to the Safe School Institute. The award was accepted by the foundation’s chairman of the board of trustees, Rob Wilson.

 

Crime Stoppers of Houston announced its 2025 Million for Million campaign with a rousing video. The campaign’s purpose is to reach one million students with safety resources. In response, Johnny Bravo led a Paddles Up call for donations, which resulted in $500,000 raised. To celebrate the accomplishment, actor and Crime Stoppers supporter, Matthew McCoaughey sent a special video message.

 

The successful event raised over $2 million to support Crime Stoppers’ mission to combat crime and keep children across Texas safe through its Safe School Institute.

 

Guests: 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.

 

About Crime Stoppers of Houston 

Through active collaboration, citizen empowerment, and educational outreach, Crime Stoppers of Houston is leading the nation with innovative crime prevention programming to keep our communities safe. Established in the early 1980s as solely a Tip Line Program, Crime Stoppers remains committed to its mission to solve and prevent serious crime in partnership with citizens, media and the criminal justice system, and now offers a robust public safety program that is reaching millions each year. In 2017, the nonprofit opened the doors to the first-ever Crime Stoppers headquarters in the world. Focused on finding crime-fighting solutions, the organization recently expanded its Safe Community Program into an institute that now includes a Victim Services & Advocacy Program, a new Research Center, and a podcast. Additionally, its Safe School Institute continues to provide critical school safety resources and trainings nationally.  

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