Clearwater’s Day of Remembrance for murder victims

BY YOLANDA COWART, The Springtime Club, Inc. Founder

CLEARWATER — The Springtime Club stood on the steps of City Hall after Mayor George N. Cretekos proclaimed September 25, 2014, as a Clearwater’s Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims during a proclamation ceremony before the City Council Meeting.

The Mayor issued the proclamation and presented it to the Springtime Club in recognition of the Club’s service to local crime victims and in support of the Club’s observation of The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

“This observance pays tribute to the hundreds of Clearwater residents who have been murdered, and acknowledges the impact on family and friends who are the survivors,” said Springtime Club’s Chaplin, Annette Douglas. “The victim survivors of these senseless tragedies are not just numbers; these are children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters that are gone forever,” Douglas added.

Andrea Bolden has been involved with the Springtime Club since 2012. She was introduced to the organization through its Cold Case Initiatives. The Club hosted candlelight vigils for her husband, Clarence Bolden during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. Bolden’s husband is a murder victim and a 13 year old cold case that is still unsolved. “We believe that it is important that we honor the memories of victims of homicide and acknowledge the unimaginable anger, pain and grief families and communities are left to contend with,” says Andrea.

The Springtime Club provides support and assistance to all survivors of homicide victims making a difference through on-going emotional support, education, prevention, advocacy and awareness.

The Club is anticipating nearly one hundred friends and relatives of murder victims to gather at the Springtime Elks Lodge in Clearwater on Thursday evening, September 25th for its First Annual Candlelight Vigil and Ceremony in observation of The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. The Candlelight service will be held outside promptly at 7:00 pm and immediately following the ceremony, the Club will be hosting a Survivors Reception and serving refreshments to the program participants inside the Lodge.

For additional information contact Yolanda Cowart at 727-906-5299 or yolandac@springtimeclub.org. You can also find details on the activities on the Club’s website at www.springtimeclub.org or facebook page at www.facebook.com/springtime.club.clearwater.