Crime Stoppers Of Houston’s “Raise ‘Em Up For Texas” Gala Dazzles

The Texas-Themed Event Raises Over $2 Million In One Evening

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Jacob Power Photography

THE SCENE: The Revaire in Houston was the setting for a night of Texas-style fun and philanthropy. Over 400 of Space City’s top community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the Crime Stoppers of Houston’s Raise ‘Em Up for Texas Gala. The night featured big Western hats, and even bigger hearts, resulting in a seven-figure raise that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE VIBE: The Texas-chic crowd featured a mix of cowboy hats, classic Western wear, denim, and cocktail attire that created a warm, welcoming environment for all who attended. The night kicked off with a cocktail hour where guests sipped on their favorite cocktails while perusing an impressive lot of luxury silent auction items.

Revelers were then greeted in the main ballroom with pre-recorded messages by legendary Houston broadcaster Dave Ward as they took to their seats for the evening’s main program. Guests were treated to a delicious Texas Steak Dinner courtesy of the Berg Hospitality Group as they were treated to a fantastic ambiance courtesy of tunes by Nobody’s Fool.

Emcee and auctioneer Johnny Bravo kept the evening’s festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace that kept the energy of the room throughout. During the main program, the crowd was treated to words from event leaders as well as special remarks from University of Houston Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator. CEO Raina Mankarious introduced the McIngvale Family Humanitarian Award to the McIngvale family for their tireless support of Crime Stoppers of Houston over the years. Next, Crime Stoppers Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Wilson was bestowed the inaugural John M. O’Quinn Foundation award for the foundation’s support of Crime Stoppers of Houston’s Safe School Institute.

The fun continued with a lively paddle raise where patrons showed their generosity by raising $500,000 for the newly kicked-off Crime Stoppers of Houston’s 2025 Million for Million campaign, which has a goal to provide over one million children with safety resources. After the paddle raise, Academy Award-winning actor and Texas icon Matthew McConaughey offered video remarks in congratulation on this milestone. The night was capped off with the attendees country dancing the night away to their favorite tunes.

THE NON-PROFIT: Raise ‘Em Up for Texas, co-chaired by Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey and Matt Mackey and Michelle and Jonathan Zadok, with Vanessa Ames and Jordan Seff serving as strategic chairs, raised over $2 million for Crime Stoppers of Houston. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards the organization’s mission to combat crime and keep Texas children safe through its Safe School Institute.