PREVIOUS EVENTS:

The 6th Annual "For Our Girls Fun Run/Walk" was held May 8th, 2004. It was begun June 12th, 1999, by the Shawnee High School Junior class, led by president Michelle Lacavara and special education teacher Peg Havens. It was followed by a tree planting and memorial dedication on the school grounds set up by history teacher Mike Bacon. We would like to express our appreciation to the numerous individuals and businesses who helped to sponsor the event and donated refreshments. (2003 photos)

2002 saw the advent of our Precious Gems Tea, which evolved into the Tea For Two Charities when it was later held in conjunction with the Center for Traumatic Grief of Moorestown, NJ. It quickly outgrew the NJ School of Music in Medford and has more recently been held in Mt. Laurel at the Regency Palace. (2003 photos)

Marilyn Charles, who directed Tamarac's annual 5k, in 2000 named it the 1st annual Precious Gems Memorial Run. For several years the weather was cool and/or rainy, but for this year's 5th annual run, the weather was beautiful and a good time was had by all. Thank you to the Pineland Striders for manning the finish line and handling the race results! (2004 Photos) (Tamarac Lakes 5k results - compliments of the Pineland Striders!

In 2001 the Pineland Striders offered the proceeds from their race, the Pineland Strider's Independence Day Run, to the Precious Gems Memorial. For the 4th year in a row they have continued that tradition as they have expanded the event to include the entire family, with races for all ages, music, refreshments, and amusements for the children. (Photos)

The RideFourLife 2002 was shortened due to heavy rain, but was still a big success. The information can be found at the RideFourLife page.

Saturday, October 2, 1999 saw what became the first annual Walk-A-Dog-A-Thon. The multi-distance courses took participants through the parks and village of Medford, NJ. Due to "overload", it was not held in 2004, and 2005 is questionable, but watch the list of upcoming events for possible future dog walks. For photos of the events, click on the dog:

Walk  1999	Walk 2000	Walk 2001	Walk 2002	Walk 2003

Monday, June 26th, 2000, was the softball game between the DJs from Q102 vs. the Precious Gems team, coached by Shawnee High School's Mike Panarella. Despite the excellent efforts of the local players, the Q102 personalities appeared to have a definite advantage when the game was called before the approaching thunder storm arrived. A great time was had by all, and we want to extend our sincere thanks to both the radio station and the local volunteer players for a fun evening. (Photos)

On March 7th and 8th of 2000 a discussion forum on drunk driving was held, kicking off a campus-wide "Safe Spring Break" rally on the University of North Carolina campus. The discussion forum was organized by Erin Lawler, sister of Shana Lawler. For the news release, see http://www.chapelhillnews.com/Issues/2000/03/05/news05.html.

Saturday, April 15, 2000 , the new Pizza Hut on Stokes Road in Medford held their grand opening. Manager Terry Williams set aside 15% of the day's profits for the Precious Gems Memorial. We want to thank her and her staff for her generosity!

On Saturday June 19th thru June 22nd 1999, the South Jersey Cyclists Club, led by President Ed Weirauch, hosted a benefit ride on behalf of the Precious Gems Memorial. This event took place over four days, during the time of the Summer Solstice. It was attended by Assistant District Attorney and prosecuting attorney for Dare County, NC, Robert Trivette and his wife, and by Police Detective James Mulford of Kill Devil Hills, who toured the area to learn more about the community in which the girls had lived. We'd like to give our thanks to Acme Markets, Holly Distributers, Shop-Rite, Arlene's Florist, Coneheads, and Linda's Hallmark, who helped to sponsor this event.

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