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releases from the Mary Byron Foundation Charity will honor advances in crime victims’ rights with gala event Louisville, Ky. — Nearly 10 years ago, a tragedy that shocked the local community led to far-reaching changes for crime victims throughout the country. Now, the Mary Byron Foundation — a nationally-focused grant-making charity created to support programs that aim to stop domestic violence — is honoring these advancements with gala fundraiser and a public awareness campaign. “A Decade of Change” will kick off in December 2003 and recognize efforts to fight domestic violence since Mary Byron was murdered 10 years ago. The Foundation will host a fundraiser and unveil a public service announcement available for nationwide broadcast. In 1993, Mary Byron was trying to get on with her life after being stalked, assaulted, and raped by her former boyfriend. He was arrested and jailed, but someone posted his bail and he was released. There was no way for Mary to know. On the night of December 6, 1993, Mary was leaving her job as a hairdresser at a Louisville shopping mall. Her ex-boyfriend approached her car and fired seven bullets into her head and chest at point blank range, killing her. It was Mary’s 21st birthday. Louisville
and Jefferson County responded to Mary’s murder with the creation
of VINE® (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), the
nation’s first automated system of victim notification. A
decade later, VINE is saving lives in more than 1,300 communities
in 36 states. The Mary Byron Foundation’s “A Decade of Change” will celebrate these advancements and remember a young woman whose time was cut short. Notable film actor Victor Rivers, spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence, will serve as keynote speaker at a dinner fundraiser in Louisville on December 10, 2003. Pat Byron, Mary’s mother and president of the Foundation, will help to lead the public awareness campaign. “Nothing can erase the sorrow and heartache our family has experienced since Mary was taken from us,” Byron says, “but I am comforted by the knowledge that Mary’s death has helped to save the lives of others like her. “We plan to use this occasion to show the community how far we’ve come, but also to demonstrate how much work is left to be done before victims of domestic violence will truly be safe and free from their abusers,” she added. About the Foundation The Mary Byron Foundation was established in October 2000 with the help of Appriss®, Inc. — the company that created and continues to provide the VINE service. Contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations make it possible for the Foundation to provide funding and educational opportunities to communities that demonstrate collaboration and innovation in the fight against domestic violence. More information about the Mary Byron Foundation and its programs can be accessed at www.marybyronfoundation.org.
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