Crime Stoppers Honor Real Life Heroes

It is human nature to take things for granted until we face diverse situations. Most of the time we fail to realize or thank the people who are keeping us safe. We chase after celebrities but fail to recognize our real life heroes. Recently making headlines on the “Today Show” was our very own Houston Police Officer, a mom and hero, Ann Carrizales who suffered traumatic injury to her face but nonetheless continued the chase to apprehend the suspects.

Awardee Officer Ann Carrizales and Rania Mankarious

One such organization taking notice of such brave acts is Crime Stoppers of Houston, with the mission to solve and prevent serious crime in the Greater Houston area while partnering with citizens, media and the criminal justice system. On May 7, 2014 the organization hosted a luncheon with four hundred of Houston’s elite honoring a new set of local heroes at the Crime Stoppers Annual Houston Heroes Awards Luncheon, at Hotel ZaZa’s Phantom Ballroom.

The Annual Awards Luncheon raised over $90,000 for Crime Stoppers of Houston, a new record for the event. Crime Stoppers was proud to honor individuals and organizations who have given exemplary service to make Houston a safer place to live, work, learn, and play. Honorees included Officer Ann Carrizales of the Stafford Police Department, The Houston Human Trafficking Task Force, Dr. Steven B. Schnee of the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County, Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist of Houston PetSet, and Aramco Services Company.

Crime Stoppers of Houston offered special thanks to Keynote Speaker Dan Wolterman, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, who kicked off the event with an insightful look into the financial and logistical ramifications of healthcare in Houston.

The luncheon was bustling with prominent community leaders and attendees included President Nabeel Amudi of Aramco Services Company, Fenner Weller, Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, Jr., Chester Pitts, Kathryn Stasney Childers, Michael and Michelle Heinz, Leisa Holland Nelson, Tyson Faust, Franco Valobra, Bill King, and Kim Padgett. Elected Officials in attendance included City Councilman Oliver Pennington, City Councilman Jack Christie, City Councilwoman Ellen Cohen, City Councilman Dwight Boykins, County Commissioner Jack Cagle, District Attorney Devon Anderson, County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, and Judge Jay Karahan.