Jason Futch
Contributor
Suwannee Valley Unsolved, Inc. is proud to announce the inaugural Hope and Justice Dinner, a special event dedicated to honoring the memories of unsolved homicide victims and supporting their families in the pursuit of justice. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the historic Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch in Live Oak.
The evening will feature a silent auction, raffle and a dinner generously provided by the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, alongside presentations from distinguished speakers who are advocates for justice and change.
The event will be hosted by Katie Jeffries, a respected journalist from First Coast News who has been instrumental in bringing attention to local cold cases.
During the dinner, attendees will hear from a lineup of speakers who have been deeply impacted by or are actively working within the realm of unsolved cases:
Charlene Shunick, Missing Persons Advocate: Charlene is the founder of Resource Advocates for the Missing and Shunick Missing Persons, organizations she established after the tragic disappearance and murder of her sister, Michaela "Mickey" Shunick, in Lafayette, La., in 2013. Charlene's advocacy has since become a beacon of hope for many families facing similar tragedies.
Laura Brotherton, Survivor: Brotherton's father, Mark Brotherton, was brutally murdered while operating the Standard Oil Service Station in Lake City in July 1971. Her story is one of resilience and determination as she continues to seek justice for her father's unsolved case.
Lt. George Harrigan and Taylor Levesque from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office: These law enforcement professionals will share insights into the groundbreaking role of forensic genealogy in solving cold cases. Their presentation will highlight a recent success where advanced DNA technology and genealogy were pivotal in resolving a decades-old mystery.
Renowned true crime author and television host Aphrodite Jones will deliver the evening's keynote address. A New York Times bestselling author, Jones has penned numerous influential true crime books, including "All She Wanted," which inspired the Academy Award-winning film "Boys Don't Cry," starring Hilary Swank. With her extensive experience in covering high-profile criminal cases, Jones will offer a compelling perspective on the quest for truth and justice.
Event schedule:
• Doors open at 4 p.m. – Guests will have the opportunity to mingle, explore the charity silent auction, and participate in the raffle.
• Dinner at 6 p.m. – A delicious meal provided by local donors and the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office will be served.
• Presentations at 6:30 p.m. – Speakers will begin their presentations, offering stories of loss, resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Immediate surviving family members of unsolved homicide victims are invited to attend the event at no cost, ensuring they have the opportunity to participate in this important evening of remembrance and support.
Proceeds from the Hope and Justice Dinner will directly support the Suwannee Valley Unsolved Cold Case Victim Advocate Program. This program provides vital resources and support to families in the Suwannee River Valley who are navigating the complexities of cold cases involving their loved ones. The program helps families understand their rights and provides necessary services, ensuring that families are not alone in their fight for answers.
"The Hope and Justice Dinner is more than just an event," said Jason Futch, Executive Director of Suwannee Valley Unsolved, Inc. "It is a movement, a moment for our community to come together to remember those lost to violent crimes and whose cases remain unsolved. It's also an opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts of investigators who continue to pursue justice on behalf of these families."
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/SVUDinner.
About Suwannee Valley Unsolved, Inc.
Suwannee Valley Unsolved, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the families of victims of unsolved crimes in the Suwannee River Valley region. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, the organization strives to ensure that no case is forgotten and that every victim's story is heard.