Houston's crime-stopping heroes

Houstonians gathered to honor community members who contribute to public safety at the annual Crime Stoppers’ Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon. David Potenza, Steve Marler, Ashley Williams, Ramy Mankarious, Courtney Zavala, Laura Ward, honoree Bill Balleza, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Crime Stoppers’ chief executive officer Rania Mankarious, Kelli Gohlke, Kim Ledbetter, Wendy Burks, honoree Jordan Seff, Patti Lieberman, and Vicki Grams joined other supporters to raise more than $230,000 for public and school-safety programming and victims services. The annual event was held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, and guests were welcomed by Crime Stoppers’ chief executive officer Rania Mankarious. Board chairman Lindsay Aronstein addressed the crowd and then turned things over to mistress of ceremonies Courtney Zavala. The luncheon concluded with the presentation of the 2023 Dave Ward Excellence in Media award, given to retired KPRC anchor Bill Balleza, presented by Rania Mankarious and Laura Ward on Dave Ward’s behalf. 

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