THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 23, 1995 TAG: 9512220026
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Five months ago we founded the Jennifer Lea Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund of Hampton Roads. Jennifer was tragically slain on June 19 while vacationing in Virginia Beach. Jennifer's dream to help sick and injured children ended with her tragic death.
At the time of Jennifer's death, she was a volunteer for a children's hospital in Atlanta. Jennifer had dreams of some day becoming a physician involved in children's rehabilitative medicine.
During the nine days of the extensive investigation into the disappearance of Jennifer Evans, this case touched the hearts of the residents of Hampton Roads, who have donated approximately $15,500 to the scholarship fund.
When we travel to Atlanta to present the proceeds to Emory University and the Evans family, we will carry with us a message from the people of Hampton Roads of care, concern and sorrow for a tragedy which occurred in the region we are proud to call home.
More than $3,000 of the $15,500 has been donated by three police organizations: the Fraternal Order of Police, the Police Supervisors' Association and the Police Benevolent Association - the men and women of the Virginia Beach Police Department who attempted to make a difference by keeping Virginia Beach the safest city of its size in the country. Many of these same men and women volunteered their time to ensure that this endeavor is a success.
We are grateful to the residents of Hampton Roads for being a vital part of this project.
The scholarship fund will remain open through the trials of the men accused in Jennifer's death. Tax deductible contributions are accepted at any of the 21 Commerce Bank locations on the Peninsula and Southside, or they can be mailed to the Jennifer Lea Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund, Commerce Bank, 1433 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, Va. 23464.
MIKE CAREY
LOU THURSTON
Police spokesmen
City of Virginia Beach, Dec. 7, 1995 by CNB