Countdown to the cutting -The Dave Ward Building

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About last night

Crime Stoppers Gala 2016, Celebrated History in the Making; Honoring Sylvester Turner, Mayor City of Houston for his contributions to public safety; during The Countdown to the cutting – The Dave Ward Building, which will be the first-ever Crime Stoppers Headquarters.

Undoubtedly a momentous occasion and one that truly deserves to be celebrated, last night’s Gala preamble, set the stage for something incredible, to come. I am especially excited that the first-ever, headquarters will be right here in Houston, Texas, where I live!

On October 27, 2016; I was able to be apart of the historical moment of the spectacular celebration in counting down, the “long time coming” landmark, which took place at the Hyatt Regency, located at 1200 Louisiana Street.

The Crime Stoppers 2016 Gala got underway at 6:00 P.M., with a VIP Meet and Greet, Cocktails and a silent auction; which featured a variety of items on display that were available. A few of those items were:

Alaska – The Call of the Wild
Sailing the Inside Passage, you’ll discover what life is like at the edge of our vast northern wilderness. *

Lights, Camera… Emmy Awards!
One lucky couple wills “jet set” to the most glamorous destination in America… Hollywood. Brush elbows with the biggest and hottest stars in television… at the Emmys! *

Greek Island Adventure
Get off the beaten path and escape to the magical islands of Greece! The soft sands and crystal blue oceans await one lucky couple in our auction.

Taft McWhorter 60” x 40” Texas Flag “Live” Painting
Experience art in real time! Watch artist Taft McWhorter complete his Texas Flag painting as you sip on your cocktails in the Gala reception. Be sure to raise your bid number to take this piece home with you during the Live Auction! Donated by: Taft McWhorter Art
(Restrictions: No returns or exchanges)

All That Glitters
Add these classic and exquisite earrings to your collection – these Italian earrings are 18k gold, holding 2.25k of sapphires, surrounded by .75k diamonds. These earrings will be the perfect addition to your holiday outfit!
Donated by: Wayne Smith Jewels

Framed J.J. Watt Autographed Texans Jersey
Add the ultimate Texans memorabilia to your collection with this autographed J.J. Watt jersey! Framed and all, display this piece proudly to celebrate #99!
Donated by: Alan Helfman

Single Person Helicopter Ride with the Houston Police Air Support Division
You don’t have to wear a badge and a gun to fight crime! See firsthand what HPD sees from high in the sky as 1 guest rides along with the HPD helicopter patrol! A unique experience that so few can enjoy!
Donated by: Houston Police Air Support Division

The Crime Stoppers 2016 Gala, Celebrating History in the Making, evening of elegance, opened with the musical sounds of: The Harbor Light Choir; comprised of current and former substance abuse program participants who have demonstrated success and initiative toward their recovery. These men make one-year commitment to perform at various venues with the choir as a part of their work therapy. The choir represents the Salvation Army, as ambassadors of hope throughout Houston. They had everyone on their feet, as they harmoniously walked in purpose, singing to the tune of “Put a little love in your heart”

Indeed, the love was felt throughout the room, as a crowd mixed with politicians, housewives, men and women, young and old, esteemed professionals, community supporters and organizers, media outlets, business owners, media personalities, executives and entrepreneurs. All alike, as they collectively stood, applauded and showed support for the Crime Stoppers Organization; as well as the commendable efforts and strides that have been made throughout its years in existence.

After welcome remarks from EMCEE, Jan Carson and opening by Executive Director for Crime Stopper of Houston, Rania Mankarious, we heard a word from Laura S. Ward, Gala Coordinator. Dinner was then served, along with photo ops and conversations amidst the partygoers; with complimenting remarks of how well this extravagant celebration had come together.

While attendees continued to dine, Tilman Fertitta took to the stage to introduce Mayor Sylvester Turner, with an honoree Tribute.

Sylvester Turner was born and raised in the Acres Homes Community in northwest Houston. His parents moved to Acres homes in 1954, the year Sylvester was born.

Sylvester’s mother worked as a maid in the old Rice Hotel in Houston. His father worked as a painter for Continental Ensco and cut yards with his sons on the weekends to make extra money. The Turners raised nine children in their modest two-bedroom home in Acres Homes. Sylvester lost his father to cancer when he was 13 years old. Afterward, his mother took over the Turner household. Although she never finished high school or learned to drive, she ensured her children got an education and inspired them to achieve.

Sylvester attended neighborhood public schools until forced integration came to Houston and he was bused to Klein High School. After a predictably rocky start, the student body adapted to its new enrollees – and Sylvester was later elected president of the student body and graduated as valedictorian.

Sylvester graduated from the University of Houston and Harvard Law School before joining the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski. He later founded the Houston law firm of Barnes & Turner in 1983.

In 1988, Sylvester was elected to the Texas House of Representatives to serve the people of House District 139 in Northwest Houston. He served until his election as mayor, working on the House Appropriations Committee for 21 years and serving as Speaker Pro Tem for three terms. He was appointed to several Budget Conference Committees to help balance the state’s budget and served on the Legislative Budget Board.

He is very proud of his daughter Ashley, who is continuing the Turner family tradition of public service in the healthcare field.

Shortly after hearing from our Mayor, Engineer, retired NASA Astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain; Scott Kelly left a remarkable impression upon the crowd with his remarks, that simply added another layer of Orion to the already pinnacle level of a prestigious celebration..

After-which, Senior Investigative Reporter, Boston Globe Spotlight Team and Keynote Speaker; Michael Rezendes, followed accordingly with a message suited for the evening, that concluded the program with fulfilling the objective of giving the city of Houston, along with supporters of the Crime Stoppers Organization credit for wearing such a badge of honor.

The evening came to a close with Dave Ward, ABC 13, the live auction and closing remarks. It was one truly amazing and unforgettable experience, solidified with a night of ambiance. One to go down in the record books under, awe-inspiring!

For over 35 years, the Crime Stoppers service, staff and law enforcement detail have operated in fragmented areas all over Houston. Never under one roof. It has been challenging for the program to respond effectively to the growing needs of the community. In 2010, a plan for transformational change was set into motion, when Crime Stoppers Board of Directors completed Phase I of the Capital Campaign to purchase the Firs-Ever home to Crime Stoppers. Within two years, the 3000 Block of Main Street was purchased and the vision for Crime Stoppers’ was born!

In 2014, The Crime Stoppers Board of Directors implemented Phase II of the campaign to construct the First-Ever Public Safety Crime Prevention Block on their property. Leading the effort are Crime Stoppers Board and Campaign Co-Chairs Fenner Weller, Kathryn Childers, Honorary Chairs: Laura S. Ward and Dave Ward, Executive Director Rania Mankarious, Ellen Cokinos Consulting, Merman Holt Powell Architechs and mission Constructors.

A Three-Story, almost 30,000 Square Foot facility has been designed that will allow Crime Stoppers Three main programs to flourish: The Tip Line Program. The Safe Community program and The Safe School Program. The new building will serve and support victims of crime and their families. Law Enforcement, Media, Non-Profits and the Community at large.

Highlights of the building include a 2500 Square Foot Community Center, A Victims Family Room, A State of the Art Press Conference Room, and expanded Law Enforcement Detail, and programming offices that are strategically designed to meet the needs of the community who will visit the facility.

The surrounding garden and grounds pay proper homage to fallen deputies with the first-ever Harris County Sheriff’s Office Memorial Garden.

a first for Houston, for Texas and the Nation, The new Crime Stoppers Headquarters will be completed this November. ” We are so grateful for the generosity of our incredible Houston community. – All those represented here this evening and those who could not be with us. We remain humbled and thankful as we look forward to making history together.” (crime-stoppers.org)

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