The 33rd annual “Crimestoppers Awards Luncheon” was held Thursday, March 15 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The venue was adorned with flags representing supporting law enforcement agencies. A pre-luncheon hour began with networking and entertainment by a jazz trio. Throughout the luncheon, New Orleans Police Dept. Superintendent Michael Harrison served as Emcee. Bill Goldring, Dennis Lauscha and Gary Lorio served as Event Co-Chairs.
The event began with the presentation of the colors by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the national anthem was performed by Pastor Tyrone Jefferson Jr. of the Abundant Life Tabernacle Church. Pastor Debora Morton of the Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church provided the invocation.
Awards and honorees included: the James J. Coleman, Sr. Corporate Partner Award presented to John Georges of The Advocate; Sheriff Harry Lee Crimestoppers Criminal Justice Award presented to Sheriff Greg Champagne, St. Charles Parish Sheriff; the Crimestoppers Media Award presented to Sally-Ann Roberts, retired WWL-TV news anchor; the Award of Excellence in School Safety and Prevention presented to St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Superintendent W.L. “Trey” Folse III. The Law Enforcement Award was presented to Tim Lentz, Chief of Police for the City of Covington “Operation Angel;” and the Real Time Crime Center Crimestoppers Chairman’s Award was presented to Glenn Orgeron, Crimestoppers Board of Directors member.
Awards were presented by Jay Batt, Chairman of the Crimestoppers Board of Trustees; The Honorable John L. Weimer, Associate Justice of the Supreme court of Louisiana; Sheriff Joseph Lopinto, Jefferson Parish; and Darlene Cusanza, President and CEO, Crimestoppers.
More than 600 attended, and all money raised from the luncheon goes to fund Crimestoppers’ youth programs, including the Teen Ambassadors Against Crime and Safe School Hotline.
Event at a Glance
What: “Crimestoppers Annual Luncheon,” benefiting Crimestoppers GNO
When: Thursday, March 15
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel
Honoree John and Dathel Georges, Crimestoppers President and CEO Darlene Cusanza and New Orleans Police Dept. Superintendent Michael Harrison
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto, Honoree Glenn Orgeron and Co-Chair Bill Goldring
