On April 4 Charlene Reaveley, a Port Coquitlam mother of four who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in 2011, would have been 32 years old.
But while the date will be marked with sadness, friends and family are hoping to create new and positive memories. They are holding a gala in support of the Charlene Reaveley Children's Charity, a society that helps kids cope with the stress and anguish that comes with losing a parent.
Kim Debenedictis, an organizer of the event, said more than 200 people from the community are expected to turn out to eat some food, dance and remember.
"The community has amazed us all with the support of the Charlene Reaveley Children's Charity," she said. "Charlene was a very special person and we just wish she could be here to see just how special she truly was."
The charity gala will feature a catered dinner, bar service, a silent auction, a raffle and live entertainment will be provided throughout the evening.
Pre-dinner entertainment by Nearly Neal the Impersonator begins at 6:45 p.m. with dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. After dinner dancing will follow.
On the night of the crash Reaveley had stopped to assist another motorist, Lorraine Cruz, who had been involved in a minor accident, when they were both struck by a passing vehicle. Reaveley and Cruz were killed and Cruz's friend Paulo Calimahin was seriously injured.
After police made a public appeal for the driver of the vehicle to come forward, Cory Sater turned himself in. He is expected to go on trial in 2013.
The charity gala will be held on April 6, two days after what would have been Reaveley's birthday. The fundraising event will take place at the Coquitlam Centennial Centre (570 Poirier St.). Tickets are $44.80 each and are available by emailing [email protected] or calling 604-520-6677.
For more information go to www.crccs.ca.
