Raise 'em up

Houston's finest gather at record-breaking Crime Stoppers gala

Crime Stoppers of Houston pulled out all the stops for its annual gala on October 24, as supporters flocked to The Revaire with Texas spirit and generous hearts. Embracing the theme “Raise ‘Em Up for Texas,” this year’s soirée united Houston’s community champions, elected officials, and law enforcement heroes to back the mission of creating a safer Texas for kids.

Led by the dynamic duo Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey and Matt Mackey, alongside Michelle and Jonathan Zadok, the gala raked in more than $2 million — a record-breaking achievement for the organization.

The night kicked off with a lively happy hour where guests schmoozed over cocktails, entered raffles, and snagged treasures at a silent auction. The main event launched with media gent Dave Ward and a heartfelt video message from Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who gave Crime Stoppers a big thumbs up for its community service.

CEO Rania Mankarious unveiled insights into the organization’s Safe School Institute, which equips schools across Texas with essential safety tools. Dr. Renu Khator, chancellor and president of the University of Houston, shared a gripping tale of how a tip to Crime Stoppers thwarted a potential campus catastrophe, highlighting the power of community watchfulness and support.

Special guest Seven "Shamir" Francis, a fresh Stratford High School grad, took the stage to reveal how Crime Stoppers’ initiatives steer teens through tough choices. His narrative emphasized the organization’s role as a crucial lifeline for youth navigating challenges.

In a meaningful moment, Mankarious, McIngvale-Mackey, and Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale presented the inaugural McIngvale Family Humanitarian Award to The John M. O’Quinn Foundation. Represented by Rob Wilson, chairman of the board of trustees, the foundation was lauded for its game-changing $500,000 donation to the Safe School Institute.

Adding Hollywood glam, Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey shared a video message, elevating the evening’s allure.

Photo by Jacob Power Photography

The McIngvale family presented The McIngvale Family Humanitarian Award to Rob Wilson with The John M. O'Quinn Foundation.

The festivities concluded with the announcement of Oscar Martinez as the lucky winner of a Zadok Jewelers ring raffle, followed by toe-tapping country dancing that kept the party going strong.

Among the 400 safety advocates were U.S 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.

Chic in Overdrive

Fast lane fashion fuels $1.1 million for Houston's Salvation Army

Salvation Army Fashion in the Fast Lane 2025

Photo by Jenny Antill

Gaby Valencia, Thamer Kay McGee, Payton Wallace, Logan Tafelski, and Helen Winchell.

Fashion took the fast track to fabulous as more than 400 stylish Houstonians zipped into River Oaks Country Club for the 21st anniversary of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary's beloved fundraising event. Themed Fashion in the Fast Lane, this sold-out soiree celebrated the sweet spot where timeless style meets high-speed flair, all while raising $1.1 million for community programs.

Spearheaded by chair Ann Ayre, the day revved up with a bustling shopping experience and a lively luncheon.

The theme perfectly captured the dual spirit of elegance and momentum, with a nod to both haute couture and horsepower. Fashionistas buzzed over racks laden with treasures at the Chic Boutique, masterminded by co-chairs Alison Gemp and Melanie Jarrell, while the Chic Boutique Showroom, curated by co-chairs Stick Delaup and Maura Montgomery, showcased designer dreams from Valentino to Chanel, Oscar de la Renta to Loewe.

Donae Chramosta, this year's fashion chair, ensured every hanger and handbag sparkled with style cred, while silent auction chair Jean Peck kept bids racing faster than a Formula 1 finish line. From Cinq A Sept dresses to Alice and Olivia separates, attendees were spoiled with choices that blended luxury with philanthropy.

The event also honored a driving force in Houston’s charitable scene: Hannah McNair, VP of the Houston Texans Foundation. A dedicated community champion, McNair has helped steer initiatives like the Girls Flag Football Program, expanding opportunities for young athletes across the city. Her philanthropic engine runs deep. After all, her mother-in-law, Janice McNair, was the 2014 honoree, making Hannah's moment in the spotlight a full-circle celebration.

Following the luncheon, guests enjoyed exclusive early access to the Chic Boutique Showroom's four-day fashion extravaganza, where "pre-loved" designer gems waited for new closets to call home. Shopping never felt so righteous.

Among those spotted cruising the stylish scene were Major Robert Webb, Major Carolynn Webb, Lt. Colonel Ann Penhale, Cal McNair, Sippi Khurana, Brigitte Kalai, Sidney Faust, Jane Wise, Cherie Lindley, Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, Melissa Sandefer, Jana Arnoldly, Ginger Blanton, Susan Binney, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Sandra Smith-Cooper, Joanna Marks, Cynthia Petrello, Amanda Boffone, Jennifer Allison, Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, Maureen Higdon, Joan Johnson, Stacey Lindseth, Kathryn Smith, and Elizabeth Abraham Colombowala.

Photo by Jenny Antill

Gaby Valencia, Thamer Kay McGee, Payton Wallace, Logan Tafelski, and Helen Winchell.

fundraisers salvation army