2019 Crime Stopper’s Gala Embraces Sandeep Daliwal and Community Safety

Our very own Dave Ward kicked off a fabulous night with a moment of silence honoring local Harris County officer Sandeep Daliwal for his service to his family and community. This set the tone for the evening, and spoke to the many sacrifices that heroes like Daliwal make every day in their line of duty protecting the community we all live in. The ‘Leading the Way to a Safer Houston’ Gala was on October 2nd, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Houston. The event was attended by over 370 supporters of the cause, all belonging to the Greater Houston Area who together, strive to raise money and awareness for prevention programs, criminal activity, and violence in schools.

The evening was Chaired by the fabulous ‘Leading Women for Public Safety’, Donae Chramosta, more fondly known as the Vintage Contessa, who was joined on stage by fashionista and philanthropist Maha Khan and Jerri Duddlesten Moore, who is active in the film industry. Together, the women spoke on the care and commitment they had towards this wonderful organization, and their personal experiences regarding their involvement throughout the years. Bella Chramosta, Crime Stopper’s newest Youth Ambassador, joined these ladies on stage to talk about threats that personally affected her in school , and the steps needed to move forward. Honorary chairs, Brigitte Kalai and Sippi Khurana discussed their stance on community support and the efforts made by the organization as it contributes to improving safety education programs, school safety, anti human trafficking efforts, as well as aid in reducing animal cruelty.

The Gala brought together many like minded supporters, some familiar faces, and many new ones, who together enjoyed live music performed by the Houstonian Big Band. Cocktails and wine served as liquid courage for those bidding on fabulous auction items. Alan Helfman, President of River Oaks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, generously donated a brand new 2019 Jeep Renegade, alongside a 35 cm Hermes Birkin donated by The Vintage Contessa and Times Past. These raffle prizes, along with the many auction items, brought in over $433,000 for the organization!

CEO Rania Mankarious took to the stage to discuss the escalating rate of violent felony offenders in the Harris County area that are being released without having served their proper time, and the efforts that the city and state are making in order to rectify these issues. World leaders are beginning to notice the movement that the Houston Chapter has set , including Ivanka Trump who sent a video message supporting Houston’s approach to combating the issues with human trafficking and lack of education in the community. They stressed the importance of focusing on these agendas to improve the statistics that Dominique Sachse, Mistress of Ceremonies and KPRC 2 News Anchor, spoke to.

The lovely evening wrapped up with “Mindhunter” FBI profiler John Douglas. He went through his work understanding the minds of some of the nation’s most mutilating and horrific murderers. He spoke about his experiences and challenges he faced in the work place and at home, finding balance between the psychology of such damaged people, and leaving it all behind.

Inputs by Krupali Laxmidas