Cavapoo Cameos

Houston nonprofit marks 45 years with puppies, piano, and powerful moments

There was skyline sparkle, Steinway serenades, and soft puppy paws at this year’s Home Safe Home Gala, as Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) celebrated 45 years of service with a spirited evening at the Thompson Houston hotel.

Chaired by Jessica and Brian Leeke, Meredith and Jean-Marc Monrad, and Jill and Frank Stagg, the October 15 affair gathered 275 supporters for a night that mixed generosity with gravitas. The mood? Hopeful and heartfelt, with a side of designer flair.

A cocktail hour kicked things off with music courtesy of a Steinway Spirio Player Piano and a scene-stealing Cavapoo duo, both later featured in the live auction. ABC13 anchor Mayra Moreno emceed the program, which included moving survivor stories, a performance by all-women choir Casulana, and award presentations. Dr. Joslyn “Joey” Fisher received the Heart of Houston Award, while the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Houston Section (NCJW) was honored with the Joseph D. Jamail Award for Justice. Their surprise $250,000 gift established the NCJW Client Emergency Endowment Fund, a bold move ensuring rapid response for survivors in crisis.

“We are thankful for everyone whose generosity made this year’s Home Safe Home Gala possible,” AVDA CEI Maisha Colter said. “Your support allows us to provide hope, healing, and safety for survivors and their families.”

Helping raise $684,000 were Jordan Seff, Meredith and Ben Marshall, Vanessa Ames, DA Sean Teare, Anna Reger, Bethany Buchanan, Clayton and Courtney Freels, Richard and Alexandra Bruskoff, Brian and Nora Jarrard, Natalie and Steve Mohtashami, and Council Member Abbie Kamin.

Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) 2025 gala

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Katie Leonard, Nina Rand, Candace Thomas, and Bethany Buchanan.

fundraisers avda aid to victims of domestic abuse

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Public memorials and services set for 'Houston's anchorman' Dave Ward

Photo courtesy of Dave Ward

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ABC13 anchor emeritus Dave Ward died on December 13 at age 86.

Members of the public are invited to pay their respects to the longtime newsman at visitations and funeral services this week. Plans include:

Wednesday, Dec. 17: Ward will lie in repose from 11 am-6 pm at the Crimestoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building, 3001 Main St., Houston, TX 77002.
Thursday, Dec. 18: Public visitation open to all at George H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors at 1010 Bering Dr., Houston, TX 77057 from 11 am-2 pm and 4-8 pm
Friday, Dec. 19: Funeral service open to the public at 12 pm at St. Martin's Episcopal Church at 717 Sage Rd., Houston, TX 77056.

ABC13 will carry the funeral live on television and streaming platforms.

For more than 50 years, Dave was Houston's anchorman. He began each newscast with his signature line, "Good evening, friends." That's how the legendary newsman felt about the viewers who shared his love for the city he was so proud to call his home.

His name was David Henry Ward, but he was known to thousands of Eyewitness News viewers simply as "Dave." Born in Dallas in 1939, Dave grew up in Huntsville and began his radio career with KGKB Radio in Tyler while attending college. Three years later, he joined the staff of WACO Radio as a staff announcer and quickly climbed to Program Director the following year.

Dave moved to Houston in 1962, where he worked for KNUZ Radio as a News Reporter and News Director for four years. He made the move to Channel 13 in 1966 as the station's only on-the-street news reporter and photographer, coming "inside" in early 1967 to anchor Channel 13's weekday 7 am. newscast.

Later that year, he became the first host of the wildly popular "Dialing for Dollars" program, which later evolved into "Good Morning Houston." Houston viewers flocked to see him and hear him, and by January 1968, Dave became the anchor of Eyewitness News at 6 and 10 pm.

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Read more about Dave Ward’s life and legacy, with video, on CultureMap's news partner, ABC13.com.

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