Editorial/Opinion

Dear Editor:

Victims' Needs Crystalized's First Annual Purple Ball was a Success.

The First Annual Ball was a fundraiser sponsored by Victims' Needs Crystalized, held on May 2,  at the Elks Lodge was a great success and those who attended had a good time.

Sincere thanks to the great people that made this happen: The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; Master of Ceremonies, Lemuel Martinez, DA; Guest Speaker, Representative W. K. Martinez; John Castaneda and Digital Wizard, who was a great DJ; Mary Vigil, who sang the national anthem beautifully; Aurora Publishing; Roberta's Place; Family Connections; Sierra Vista Counseling; Johnnie's Kitchen; Arts and Crafts Galore; Tracy's Flowers; Delta Tire; Cindy Aragon; Mary Jaramillo-Barraza; Darlene Barela; Evie Becker; Maxine Spidle and Betty Diaz.  A very special thanks to Sally Sanchez; Joe Sanchez; Stacy Bond, Valerie Mirabal and Twig Hollar.

Because of all of the hard work and generosity of the above-mentioned folks, attendees enjoyed good music, delicious appetizers and desserts and an impressive array of items to bid on at silent auction. Victims' Needs Crystalized, a non-profit organization, raised approximately $1,000 which will be used to train victim advocates who respond to crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, aggravated stalking and child abuse to assist and support victims. The Victim Advocate then refers the victim(s) to service providers in the community for assistance in various ways.  Victims may need medical care, mental health care, support in filing a restraining order, a safe residence, help in filing for financial assistance, etc.

VNC also promotes greater community vitality through public awareness, training with and collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the DA's office, service providers, the spiritual community and individual citizens of Cibola County.

As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” So, become a part of VNC and be a part in helping Cibola County become a better place to live for all. Join us on the second Tuesday of every month at our next general meeting at 11:30 a.m. at Roberta's Place, 801 E. Roosevelt Ave. Lunch will be provided.

Sincerely,

Kristina Faught-Hollar, President of VNC.

Victim's Need Crystalized Board

Grants

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to say "Thank you" to all the people who gave their support during the most recent loss of my husband, Philip Harris. Your concern, kindnesses, and comfort will never be forgotten.

I would personally like to thank Jeny and LuAnn Elkins, along with the Kiva Restaurant for furnishing the food, all the Kiva staff that assisted, the Grants Rodeo Association for the use of the Cow Palace, Kyle Roundy for doing the Eulogy, JoAnn and Tommy Gabaldon for cleaning and setting everything up, Juanita Romero for assisting with clean up, Tyra Dell Darby for taking the time to do the video/audio slide show, Jeny and Susie Wilcox, Amanda Wilcox, Judy Hoover, Cory Polen, Stuart Polen, Michael Dominguez, Perla Holguin, Guadelupe Dominguez, and to my General Manager, Estlee Dominguez for keeping things going at work and to all Harris International staff for performing their jobs during my absence on the job as my presence was needed at home.

Thanks goes out to the entire Harris Family, their spouses, and their friends, and to any of those I may have failed to mention. Believe me it is not intentional but rather due to the situation. I am at a loss of words and can never fully express my gratitude to all of you.

A special "Thank you'" goes to my dad, Roy Jackson, Susie Wilcox and Amanda Wilcox for staying with me and Philip and being there when he passed away. A special "Thank you" also goes to Spurlin Darby and all those who assisted him in making such a beautiful casket, as well as all the grandchildren for their presence as pallbearers their grandfather would be so proud.

And on behalf of the entire Harris Family, "Thank you" everyone.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Harris

Milan

Dear Editor:

Thank you to all the people who were there for the services of my son. We really appreciate all the help and faith and the thoughts and keeping us in your prayers. He will be missed so much, but never forgotten. Not only did he leave us all behind but he left his memories for one reason: so we will remember him by all the good times we had. So stay strong and know he is all our Guardian Angel and is looking down on us.

All the dreams he had shared with those who were close with him, not only would want you to fulfill them for him but for yourselves as well . . . we all will meet again one day “through the stairway to heaven.”

In appreciation of the mother's side of the family . . . his beloved mother Paula A. Delara and his sister Audrey Kee and most of all his only girlfriend, aka grandmother Nancy Abeita Ross.

“Aunts” Sherrie Lee Ryan and Nancy Leigh Ryan.

“Uncles” Fabian H. Abeita, Casz C Abeita, Herman F. Abeita, Jenny Lisa Abeita and Steve DeLara.

“Family” Angel Renee DeLara, Joseph Edward DeLara and Theyerra Rose Monique DeLara.

And many more.

We high appreciate it.

Sincerely,

The family of Sal Benavidez

Cibola County