[gtx_gallery]
The Crimestoppers annual luncheon this year was a holiday celebration for a good cause on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
At the New Orleans Hilton Riverside, Phyllis Taylor and Gary Solomon co-chaired the benefit, which recognized law enforcement at the federal and local level, along with civic and community members and corporations who exemplify dedication to community safety.
Doors opened at 11 a.m., and opening remarks were made by Superintendent Ronal Serpas of the New Orleans Police Department. Keynote speaker was Sheriff Newell Normand of Jefferson Parish. Awards were presented to WWL-TV; Sheriff Jack Stephens of St. Bernard Parish; Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans; the Honorable Calvin Johnson, retired judge of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court; Clear Channel; the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office; State Senator Daniel Martiny; and State Representative Walter Leger III.
Crimestoppers is a nonprofit, citizen-run organization that exists in all 50 states and around the world. In the Greater New Orleans area, it has been a vital force in crime-fighting: the organization has assisted in solving more than 11,000 felony crimes and has paid more than $1.7 million in rewards. It provides a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week hotline for tipsters to provide information concerning crime to local law enforcement without fear of retaliation.
