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.

Don DeGabrielle, Devon Anderson.

Photo courtesy of Photos by Rovo

Don DeGabrielle, Devon Anderson.

fundraisers

Music and Wine

White tie elegance fuels Houston Symphony Ball to $1.2 million

Photo by Priscilla Dickson Photography and Jacob Power Photography

Lisa Rydman Lindsey, John and Lindy Rydman, and Alan Key.

White tie, red drapery, and a little Bordeaux energy — the Houston Symphony Ball skipped the prelude and went straight to party.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson Photography and Jacob Power Photography

Lisa Rydman Lindsey, John and Lindy Rydman, and Alan Key.

The Houston Symphony celebrated its annual signature gala at The Post Oak Hotel. Chaired by Lindy Rydman and John Rydman, the evening drew inspiration from “Musique et Vin,” an homage to the timeless harmony between music and wine.

Guests, white tie encouraged (and enthusiastically embraced), stepped into a ballroom transformed into a European reverie. Décor by The Events Company leaned into old world romance. Set against rich red drapery, the design evoked the grandeur of historic concert halls and the mystique of storied vineyards.

Chef Jean-Luc Royere crafted a menu that reflected the ball’s refined culinary inspiration. Between courses, guests browsed a thoughtfully curated silent auction featuring luxury items and exclusive experiences. The bidding added liveliness to the evening.

And then, as the final plates were cleared, the mood shifted.

The dance floor came alive thanks to high-energy entertainment by Q the Band, whose performance was underwritten by ARCA Continental/Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. By evening’s end, the Symphony Ball had raised $1.2 million in support of the orchestra’s artistic programming and industry-leading education and community initiatives.

On the scene were Gary Ginstling, Margaret Alkek Williams, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Devorah and David Krieger, Barbara Burger, Jesse Tutor, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Betsy and Fredric Weber, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, David Peavy and Stephen McCauley, Hallie Vanderhider, Brigitte Kalai, Brett and Erin Busby, Matthew and Lil Kades, Tom and Carrie Field, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Alice Mao Brams and Matt Brams, Chris Cheever, Diane Morales, Lisa Rydman Lindsey, Mike Parsons, Aoife and David Cummingham, Jerre Williams, Gretchen and Jay Watkins, and Anne and Albert Chao.