PRESS RELEASE Contact: Sandra Sanna-Buckles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Public Relations Specialist
September 27, 2023 240-335-4037
Annapolis, MD – Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center (MCVRC) held their annual Victims’ Rights Gala on Saturday, September 23, 2023. The theme followed the one set forth by the Office of Victims’ of Crime for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week — “Survivor Voices” and the event was presented by Grant & Eisenhofer, P.A. and Jenner Law.
Despite this past weekend’s Tropical Storm Ophelia, the event went on and was a tremendous success. MCVRC, along with their presenting sponsors, created a program that truly encompassed the theme “Survivor Voices”. The program included acclaimed musician, Carolyn Surrick, a poem from a local mother, Deadra Jackson, who recently lost her son Arick to crime and other various stories from different backgrounds. Stories included the Maryland Attorney General, Anthony Brown, who shared a story about the murder of his cousin and Steve Kelly, who’s sister was murdered when he was only 14, who recounted his memory of Vince and Roberta Roper gallantly coming to his home to help his family find a voice. The audience was captivated by each story and was brought to laughter, tears, and everything in between.
Mr. Kelly stated, “All of us at Grant & Eisenhofer, P.A. and our partner, firm Jenner Law are so proud to be affiliated with Kurt, his fearless founder the remarkable Roberta Roper, and his entire team of talented attorneys and advocates who are among the unsung heroes fighting in the trenches for the rights of our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The emcee of the evening was Melissa Miller, La Reine High Alum and daughter of the late Senator Mike Miller, who recounted her father’s passion and commitment to the Ropers and their cause. MCVRC honored individuals for the Roberta Roper Lifetime Achievement Award. The first honoree was C.T. who shared his personal story in order to push the passing of HB 1/Child Victim’s Act. Honorees also included Tripod Media’s Jessica Hargrave and Ryan White, who used their skills and talents to share the voices of victims whose voices were silenced for over 50 years in the Netflix docu-series The Keepers. MCVRC honored one of their own employees with the creation of the Victor Stone Award. This award will continue to recognize MCVRC employees who exude integrity, diligence, and excellence in their work. For its inaugural year, this award was presented to Mr. Stone.
MCVRC Executive Director, Kurt Wolfgang said, “We are honored and humbled to have such a thoughtful and well attended gala. As a victims’ rights organization, it is important for our community partners and business leaders to stand with us, and this is a prime example of how we can ensure survivor voices are heard.”
About Maryland Crime Victims’ Rights Center, Inc.
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center Inc. ensures that victims of crime receive justice and are treated with dignity and compassion through comprehensive victims’ rights and services. MCVRC is a grassroots non-profit organization that became a statewide organization dedicated to serving the interest of crime victims throughout Maryland. MCVRC is the longest running and largest legal clinic serving victims of all crimes in this country. MCVRC attorneys have argued in State, Federal and the Supreme Court on Victim Right’s issues which have resulted in major legal victories.
MCVRC is always looking for partners and supporters, particularly for their upcoming events:
- Paths to Healing, October 15, 2023
- Ceremony of Remembrance, November 4, 2023
- 3rd Annual Make a Difference Walk & Resource Fair, April 20, 2024
- 2024 Victims’ Rights Gala, TBD.
Visit mdcrimevictims.org for more information. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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(Photos available on Facebook).
