Saturday event for awareness

GRANTS - The community is invited to the Purple Ribbon Ball May 2 at the Elks Lodge and sponsored by Victims Needs Crystal-ized. The purpose of the event, hosted by 13th Judicial District Attorney Lemuel Martinez, is to promote awareness for victims of violent crimes in Cibola County.

VNC, a nonprofit community response organization for victims of violent crimes, is named in memory of Crystal La Pierre, who was murdered in 1992.

“Victims need a coordinated community response,” stated District Attorney's Senior Trial Attorney Kristina Faught-Hollar.

“Helping the victims is not a legal issue, it's a community issue. If victims don't have support, these crimes will continue to happen,” Fautht-Hollar said.

The attorney said that many victims are not aware of their options, which is why they return to the same situations.

 “They need to know there's another life out there available,” she said.

The evening will feature a silent auction to benefit VNC, followed by music and dancing.

Money raised by the event will help train victim advocates who will provide needed services to victims. Advocates respond to the scene; offer referrals to service providers; have family members contacted if needed; counsel regarding financial support or temporary housing and other services.

“The Purple Ribbon Ball is a great way to promote awareness within the community and generate much needed support for victims of violent crime,” said State Representative Ken Martinez in a press release from the district attorney's office. Martinez will be guest speaker for the evening.

The ball will begin at 8 p.m. and festivities will end at midnight. VNC plans to make the ball an annual event.

Fancy finger food and desserts will also be shared.

The lodge is at 805 Charles St. Tickets are $15 per person, $25 per couple or $100 per table.

For tickets or more information call Roberta's Place, 807 Roosevelt Ave., at 287-7200.