Crime Stoppers

Dave Ward reveals a big surprise at Crime Stoppers of Houston "History in the Making" Gala

Deemed appropriately enough, “Celebrating History in the Making,” the Crime Stoppers of Houston gala was special because it celebrated the construction of the organization's first headquarters, which will be named for an iconic Houston newsman who is retiring after a long and storied career.

The evening, which attracted 500 guests at the Hyatt Regency, began with a VIP reception featuring keynote speaker Michael Rezendes, the senior investigative reporter for the Boston Globe Spotlight Team and Pulitzer Prize winner. His real-life work was the basis for the movie, Spotlight, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Rezendes' character was played by Mark Ruffalo.

For the main event, the festivities moved to the hotel's Imperial Ballroom where a performance by The Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir was followed by the recognition of gala honoree, Mayor Sylvester Turner, for his outstanding contributions to public safety during his first year in office at the city's top official.

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly surprised ABC 13’s Dave Ward with a heartfelt message honoring the longtime Houston newscaster and supporter of Crime Stoppers, an organization whose mission is to solve and prevent crime through its many crime prevention programs. The new Crime Stoppers headquarters, which will be named for Ward, is slated to open in January 2017. It is the first such Crime Stoppers building anywhere in the world.

Ward revealed to the crowd that his last day as news anchor has been set for December 9 after 50 years on the air.

The gala raised more than $435,000 for the non-profit.

Seen in the crowd were gala coordinator Laura Ward, Crime Stoppers executive director Rania Mankarious, event emcee Jan Carson, Tilman Fertitta, Amiko Kauderer, Tim Connelly, Trish and Rock Morille, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Elva and Truett Akin, Shayna Andrews, Neil and Maria Bush, Vicki Rizzo, Tama Lunquist and Gary Becker, Tena and Tyson Faust, Joella and Steve Mach, Ellen and Paige Cokinos, Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Roula Christie and Tasos Kostas, and KPRC traffic anchor Jennifer Reyna.

Notable public officials in the crowd included: Harris County district attorney Devon Anderson, Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle, State Senator John Whitmire, State Representative Gene Wu, Houston City Council member Brenda Stardig, and Houston Police acting chief Martha Montalvo.

Frome left, Roseann Rogers, Dave Ward, Gina Gaston, Melanie Lawson, Miya Shay.

Roseann Rogers, Dave Ward, Gina Gaston, Melanie Lawson, Miya Shay take a Selfie

Photo courtesy of Photos by Rovo

Frome left, Roseann Rogers, Dave Ward, Gina Gaston, Melanie Lawson, Miya Shay.

fundraisers

Spring Soirée

Hermann Park’s garden party proves storms can’t rain on this elephant parade

Photo by Jacob Powers

Co-chairs Travis and Kathryn Boeker; Katherine Whaley and Chris Wadley.

Even as ominous clouds loomed above, Hermann Park shined brightly during Evening in the Park, Hermann Park Conservancy's signature gala held on Thursday, April 24. Crica 500 devoted supporters, decked in their spring cocktail finest, gathered at Molly Ann Smith Plaza to toast a landmark year: The first anniversary of the Family Commons, a vibrant 26-acre expansion redefining community connection in the historic park.

Photo by Jacob Powers

Co-chairs Travis and Kathryn Boeker; Katherine Whaley and Chris Wadley.

Guests kicked off the night at Lindsey Plaza, boarding the Hermann Park Railroad for a whimsical ride through the commons, where they encountered The Great Elephant Migration. This installation of nearly 100 life-sized elephant sculptures spread a message of conservation and coexistence.

As twilight settled, guests mingled beside the Pioneer Memorial Obelisk during a lively cocktail hour. With McGovern Lake mirroring the soft evening hues, old friends reunited and new connections blossomed over crisp hors d'oeuvres and refreshing sips.

This year's gala honored the Radoff family — Bunny Radoff, Russell and Jody Radoff, and Bradley and Monica Radoff — whose enduring commitment to Hermann Park has helped nourish its evolution as a sanctuary for all Houstonians. Event co-chairs Kathryn and Travis Boeker and Katherine Whaley and Chris Wadley crafted a night that balanced heartfelt reflection with festive celebration.

During dinner, conservancy board chair Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell reminded the audience why their support matters.

"Hermann Park is where Houston comes together," she said. "We’re nurturing a sanctuary — a space where generations grow, connect, reflect, and celebrate."

The evening raised an impressive $690,000, securing crucial funding for the organization’s mission of stewardship and enhancement of this century-old green haven.

Amid the amicable garden party were Kenneth Allen, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, John Bishop, Kristy Bradshaw, Janet Clark, Isabel David, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Mac and Cece Fowler, Kevin Foyle, Lisa Helfman, Emily Keeton, Linda and George Kelly, Carey Kirkpatrick, Ann Kennedy and Geoffrey Walker, David Leebron and Y. Ping Sun, Marley Lott, Laura and Brad McWilliams, Tai and Cory Quarles, Allison and Troy Thacker, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Claudia de Vasco and Gabriel Olson, Sally Anne Schmidt and Marc Tabolsk, and Nicole and Joey Romano.

hermann park fundraisers