Crimestoppers Annual Houston Heroes Awards Luncheon Honors Distinguished Community Members.

Looking back at a long overdue fundraiser that we never like to miss. After more than a year of cancelled in-person events in Houston, 220 guests, were happy to be out lending their support to Crime Stoppers of Houston at its annual Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon, which was held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The long overdue fundraiser honored and celebrated outstanding community members who have made incredible contributions to make Houston and Texas a safer place to live, work, learn and play. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the event was also live-streamed via ZOOM for virtual supporters. 

The uplifting celebration served as a vital fundraiser for Crime Stoppers and raised over $183,000 to directly fund the critical public safety and crime prevention initiatives delivered by the non-profit in local and statewide communities and schools.

Led by Dana Tyson, host of Sunny 99.1 Morning Show, the lively afternoon festivities included opening remarks from Crime Stoppers CEO and host of The Balanced Voice Podcast Rania Mankarious, followed by an inspirational presentation of awards. The Legends Ballroom buzzed with excitement as guests were joyfully mingling in person. Dana refocused the crowd with stories of reflection before announcing a virtual surprise from former HPD Chief Art Acevedo who joined in from his Miami PD office to congratulate his esteemed colleague Commander Dale and offered words of encouragement to the room filled with crime fighters. 

The luncheon concluded with Houston Media Icon Dave Ward unveiling the 2021 Dave Ward Media Excellence Award. This award was named after Ward who was instrumental in establishing Crime Stoppers in Houston in 1981. A surprised recipient Dave Strickland, KPRC Channel 2 News Director, then came on stage and was joined by KTRK 13 Ted Oberg the inaugural recipient of this award for brief remarks. 

The 2021 Heroes were presented with distinguished awards for being positive contributors to the community through their long-standing support of crime prevention and public safety initiatives that make Houston, and Texas, safer for all: