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

Barbara’s Legacy

Tom Selleck headlines Houston literacy luncheon, helps raise $775K

Barbara Bush Foundation literacy luncheon 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Lina Lorelle and Tom Selleck.

Tom Selleck may have played many roles throughout his decades-long career — private investigator, cowboy, police commissioner — but at an event in Houston, the Hollywood icon stepped into a new one: literacy advocate.

The Emmy and Golden Globe winner headlined the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s 10th Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon: Opening Doors to Literacy, bringing personal anecdotes, quiet wisdom, and his signature mustache to the sold-out crowd at The Post Oak Hotel.

“I first met Barbara Bush in Hawaii, when I was doing Magnum P.I.,” he shared from the stage. “She hosted a small reception, and I have to say we really hit it off.”

That connection made his participation all the more thoughtful.

Selleck reflected on stories from his 2024 memoir You Never Know, keeping the audience rapt with his tales of humor and humility. When asked what he hopes readers take away from his book, he offered an introspective insight.

“Getting there isn’t such a big deal, because there is always somewhere else to go,” he said. “The real value is in the journey.”

That sentiment struck a chord with the 800 attendees, who helped the Ladies for Literacy Guild raise a record-breaking $775,000 to fund literacy programs across Houston.

Co-chaired by Sidney Faust and Betty Hrncir, the luncheon honored the guild’s 10th anniversary and the 100th birthday of Barbara Bush. The event began with an invocation from students at Barbara Bush Elementary, followed by a rousing performance from the Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Pipe Band. Emmy Award-winning journalist Linda Lorelle emceed the afternoon.

Guests were also treated to a pearl-themed raffle courtesy of Tenenbaum Jewelers—a nod to Barbara Bush’s signature style—along with florals donated by H-E-B. Phillips 66 led the charge as Title Sponsor, joined by Literacy Champion Sponsor ExxonMobil.

Showing their literary love were Sarahbeth and Pierce Bush, John Hrncir, Nancy Ames and Danny Ward, Maggie Austin, Jamie Barrere, Tony Bradfield, Cheryl Byington, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Amy Chronis, Sue Conway, Patricia Cornelius, Tammy Genovese Davis, Stick Delaup, Deborah Dunkum, Lesha Elsenbrook, Tena and Tyson Faust, Julie Finck, Gail Garland, Rhonda Graff, Katy Hays, Maureen Higdon, Leslie Hix, Courtney Hopson, Lisa Jakel, Jenny Joy, Patti Kroll, Laurie Lashier, Julie Little, Tama Lundquist, Cora Sue Mach, Martha Adger Madget, Anne McClellan, Mary Hale, Lovett McLean, Marsha Montemayor, Trish Morille, Barbie Prusak, Tenley E. Raj, Regina Rogers, Mary Sage, Sandra Shenkir, Tharen Simpson, Rhonda Smith, Deborah Stavis, Andrea Suarez, Suzi and William Dore, and Jacqueline Hamilton Taylor.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Lina Lorelle and Tom Selleck.

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