Heroes of Houston Honored at the Crimes Stoppers of Houston Luncheon

Five local heroes were honored and recognized at the Crime Stoppers of Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 14 at Hotel ZaZa Houston. The Annual Awards Luncheon, which serves as a fundraiser to help support Crime Stoppers’ tip line and prevention programs, welcomed more than 375 guests and raised over $88,000 for Crime Stoppers of Houston.

Crime Stoppers Executive Director Rania Mankarious with Dave Ward, ABC-13, emcee of the luncheon

Long-time crime prevention advocate, Dave Ward with ABC-13, served as the afternoon’s emcee and led the festivities, which included a welcome from Rania Mankarious, Crime Stoppers Executive Director, followed by a moment of silence for fallen police officers by Reverend Manson Johnson. Guest speaker Scott McClelland, President of H-E-B’s Houston Division, took the stage delivering a humorous keynote address.

This year’s honorees are incredibly dedicated individuals and groups who have continuously been on the forefront working tirelessly as community advocates. Recognized for their service as outstanding Crime Stoppers in our community were Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Lee Vela with Clear Channel Outdoor, Houston Police Department Volunteer Eddee Hestand, and corporate partner CenterPoint Energy. The new Safe School Award was introduced and Chuck and Gena Norris received the honors for their community impact through KICKSTART KIDS.

Thursday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and sponsors, including Safety Partner Sponsor Aramco. Basil Abul-Hamayel, Aramco President and Alma Kombargi were among the guests.

Crime Stoppers of Houston is Houston’s only non-profit dedicated to public safety and since 1981 has remained committed to its mission to solve and prevent serious crime in the Greater Houston Area in partnership with citizens, media and the criminal justice system. Through close collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Houston, Crime Stoppers of Houston has successfully solved over 30,000 felony cases and arrested nearly 25,000 felony fugitives through its 713-222-TIPS Tip Line Program.

Dr. Aashish Shah, Chuck and Gena Norris and Roseann Rogers

The Tip Line Program continues to be a national crime prevention model and strives to empower and motivate citizens to report crime. Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Houston Rania Mankarious, who recently was also honored at the Lights Camera Action’s 3rd Annual International Mothers’ Day Soiree for her outstanding job in keeping the community a safer place. Mankarious works tirelessly to help inform various communities and races about Crimes Stoppers. “It’s amazing to see Houston’s diverse women come together and empower each other and we want to help reach out to make sure everyone is safe,” shared Rania.

Notable guests include Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, City Council members Jack Christie, David Robinson, Brenda Stardig, Michael Kubosh, plus Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, Jr., supporters Dr. Aashish Shah, Roseann Rogers, Tama Lundquist and Tena and Tyson Faust.

Others like Leisa Holland-Nelson, Vicki Rizzo, Michelle Heinz, Ricardo Nizario, Melissa Davis, Kristi Schiller, Bob Parsley, Matt Burrus, Michael Pierce, Lindsay Aronstein and Paulina Sodi joined to celebrate.

If you would like to learn about Crime Stoppers of Houston and our prevention programs, visit www.crime-stoppers.org or call 713-521-4600.

Chuck Norris’ biggest fan!

Matthew Burrus, Crime Stoppers Executive Director Rania Mankarious and Michael Pearce

Award recipients Chuck Norris and wife Gena Norris with KICKSTART KIDS

Council Member Robert Gallegos, Chip Coross and Leila Perrin

2015 Houston’s Heroes Award Recipients from left to right Lee Vela, Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Eddee Hestand, George Blamire with CenterPoint Energy and Gena and Chuck Norris