The Ben Doran Foundation
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~~ Maggie, Rome, and Scott would like to take this time to thank The Minnesota Music Cafe owners and their wonderful employees as well as everyone who came and donated to our benefit on May 25th.  Thank you very much from all of us and especially from Ben! ~~

We are very pleased to acknowledge the great new work on our website done by Mr. Scott Robertson, who began the web upgrade with the Ben Doran Foundation in January 2008.
webmaster@bendoranfoundation.org

Many thanks to Scott Laughing



January 2008 - We have updated our computer equipment and have hired a web design consultant!

December 2007 - We are proud to announce that the Foundation has received a HOPE grant from the US Department of Justice.

HOPE = Helping Outreach Programs Expand.  This was our second attempt to obtain this grant and we could not have done this without our supporters.  A HUGE thank you to Congresswoman Betty McCollum's office, State Senator Ellen Anderson, State Rep John Lesch, Jim Lym - chapter leader of POMC, and Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher.  These individuals have been consistent in "being there" for us personally and professionally in the four and a half years since my precious Ben was so tragically taken.

Our Day of Remembrance on September 25th was well attended, with many groups represented.  The subject of murder causes most people to flee far and fast.  But as survivors of homicide, we cannot escape the awfulness, though we can stand up for our loved ones and continue to speak up and out against the many "injustices" in our criminal justice system.  A big thank you to everyone that attended and thank you to State Senator Ellen Anderson for being willing to stand with us and publicly address our groups.

We are coordinating with the State of Minnesota and the City of Saint Paul, along with some family and friends, the creation of a Memorial Peace Garden for victims of homicide.  This garden will symbolize the beauty that the lives of our loved ones brought us.  More details to come :)

-This was read on September 25th for our Day of Remembrance-

GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION

Supporting the goals and ideals of a Minnesota Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims

Whereas the death of a loved one is a devastating experience, and the murder of a loved one is exceptionally difficult;  Whereas the friends and families of murder victims cope with grief through a variety of support services, including counseling, crisis intervention, professional referrals  and assistance in dealing with the criminal justice system;  and Whereas the designation of a Minnesota Day of Remembrance for murder victims on September 25th of each year provides an opportunity for the people of Minnesota to honor the memories of murder victims and to recognize the impact on surviving family members:  

Now, therefore be it proclaimed that the State of Minnesota-

(1) supports the goals and ideals of a Minnesota Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims and

(2) recognizes the significant benefits of the organizations that provide services to the loved ones of murder victims.