TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Ruskin Fundraiser For Library Rape Victim Draws Hundreds

ADVERTISEMENT

By KEVIN BRADY | TBO.com

Published: August 11, 2008

Updated: 08/11/2008 10:35 pm

Some knew her as a friend, most did not, but they came by the hundreds anyway Monday in Ruskin to help a teenage rape victim.

The 18-year-old was severely beaten and raped outside Bloomingdale Regional Public Library in April. Now blind and unable to walk as a result of the attack, she needs physical therapy every day, friends say.

"She's progressing slowly, but she will need therapy for the rest of her life," said Chrissy Jokish, 18, a classmate and friend of the victim who visited her Saturday night. "That's why events like [the fundraiser] are important."

Monday's fundraiser, and another planned for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Valrico State Bank, are aimed at helping the young woman's family defray mounting medical bills.

"I just want to be here tonight to do what I can to support her," said Bryan Zemina, 21, who prayed with the victim at a prayer gathering two weeks ago. "She can't speak or see, but she's in there She laughs, she cries, she smiles and she is fighting."

More than 400 people turned out for the fundraiser at the Ruskin Veterans of Foreign Wars post on U.S. 41. An overflowing parking lot had cars lined up along the highway before the doors opened at 4 p.m. Organizers needed a shuttle bus to handle the overflow crowd.

"I was surprise by the turnout and then again I am not," said Melanie Morrison, one of the event's main organizers. "She's a local girl who volunteered at the seafood festival and the Ruskin Relay for Life," said the executive director of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce. "I love the fact that she gave to the community and now we have a chance to give back to her."

Morrison also credited Shirley May, Tony Zipperer, Stacy Self and Denise Ritter for helping make the event possible.

Tallying up the final numbers late tonight, Morrison said about 1,000 people turned out for the benefit. "So far we have $15,700 and that doesn't even include the silent auction. It was much more than I thought."

Elaine Hill drove from Sun City for the event, which featured a silent auction, entertainment and dinner.

"I don't know the girl but I still get emotional thinking about it. She was one of our own," Hill said.

The suspect in the attack, Kendrick Morris, 16, faces charges of rape and aggravated battery and remains in the Orient Road Jail.

Donations for the victim's family can be made at SunTrust banks to the Bloomingdale Library Attack Victim Fund. For information, call Morrison at the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce, (813) 645-3808.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT