Crime Stoppers Gala Celebrates Houston
![Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld](https://thebuzzmagazines.com/sites/default/files/styles/140px_by_180px_user_pic_epsa_crop/public/writer-photos/Jordan%20Magaziner.jpg?itok=Gm1GHkzF)
The 2017 Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala took place on Thurs., Oct. 19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston with a theme of celebrating Houston after Harvey. Speakers shared inspiring messages of hope after tragedy. More than 460 gathered for the organization’s largest fundraiser, raising more than $308,000 for crime prevention programs.
Media icon and namesake of the Crime Stoppers building in Houston Dave Ward joined MC Dominique Sachse, KPRC news anchor, to lead the evening’s program. Steve Tyrell’s song for Houstonians, “Hand in Hand” was played to set the tone of celebrating Houston after Hurricane Harvey. Members of the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office honor guards entered the ballroom and stood by the stage as groups were called to stand and be recognized. At the end and with every person standing, Ward reflected on what it’s been like to see Houstonians helping Houstonians.
![Bashar Kalai, Brigitte Kalai, Susan Boggio, Donae Chramosta, Rob Chramosta Bashar Kalai, Brigitte Kalai, Susan Boggio, Donae Chramosta, Rob Chramosta](https://thebuzzmagazines.com/sites/default/files/styles/large_crop/public/article-photos/2017/10/Bashar%20Kalai%2C%20Brigitte%20Kalai%2C%20Susan%20Boggio%2C%20Donae%20Chramosta%2C%20Rob%20Chramosta%20%282%29.jpg?itok=fUaDeQcY)
(From left) Bashar Kalai, Brigitte Kalai, Susan Boggio, Donae Chramosta and Rob Chramosta. (Photo: Catchlight Group/Michelle Watson)
Keynote speaker was ABC International Correspondent Bob Woodruff who shared his story of recovery after being hit by an IED while on assignment in Iraq. Guest speaker Alissa Parker, mom of Emilie Parker, one of the 20 first grade children killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Alissa shared memories of Emilie and what happened on the day of the shooting. She encouraged guests to join her and Crime Stoppers to continue to work together on making sure our schools are as safe as possible. Read more about Alissa Parker’s story in this Sunday Mornings with Rania article by Rania Mankarious.
Rania Mankarious, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston, provides safety tips and important perspectives on what’s going on in the news every week. See Sunday Mornings with Rania.
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